Vulcans Off to Hot Start

Vulcans improve to 5-2 as they knock off Dominican University to open PacWest play

Editor-in-Chief Peter Holden Chao
Sep. 8, 2018

Photo Courtesy of Shelly Blunck, UH Hilo Athletics

Vulcan volleyball opened Pacific West Conference play against the Dominican University Penguins Friday night at the UH Hilo Gymnasium. The Vulcans returned home after going 3-1 last week in the D2 West Region Showcase, a tournament in San Francisco. With more than 500 fans in attendance the Vulcans rose to the occasion winning the match in three sets: 25-18, 25-17, 25-17.

In attendance were fans and student athletes alike, with players from UH Hilo softball, basketball, baseball, and soccer cheering on the Vulcans. “It’s awesome. It’s a lot better than last year. It makes me really excited for the season to have all the support,” said sophomore Ashton Jessee.

The Vulcans roster hosts a wide range of key players from freshman to senior. Freshman Alexandria Parisian provided 12 kills, while Maile Powell contributed 19 assists and four service aces. Sophomores Bria Beale and Ashton Jessee had nine and four kills respectively. Seniors Mina Grant finished with 13 digs, Basia Sauni had 22 assists and six digs, and Evelin Solyomvari added nine kills. “Hilo has a great future. They’re doing great, they fit in and they’re doing their best. I’m very proud of them,” Solyomvari said of her younger teammates. “I believe they can go far.”

The Vulcans now boast an overall record of 5-2 and are 1-0 in PacWest play. “We came out strong,” Parisian told Ke Kalahea. “We all played together and got the win.”

The Vulcans have another conference match Monday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. in the UHH Gymnasium against Notre Dame de Namur. “It’s going to be our second home game. We’re just going to play our game and not give up,” said Solyomvari.