The University of Hawaii's women's volleyball team faced a challenging series of matches over the weekend, finding themselves overpowered by both UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly in their final regular-season road trip as members of the Big West Conference. According to a report by the University of Hawaii Athletics, the Rainbow Wahine were unable to maintain a three-match win streak, succumbing to UCSB in straight sets on Friday at the Thunderdome in Santa Barbara, California.
The loss to the Gauchos saw Hawaii give up a season-high 12 aces, which proved to be one of the determinants in their downfall. Standout performer Miliana Sylvester attempted to buoy her team with eight kills and five blocks, while libero Victoria Leyva contributed with 17 digs. UCSB's Gabi Martinez and Layanna Green combined for a dynamic performance, putting pressure on the Rainbow Wahine from the service line and landing decisive aces, according to the same University of Hawaii Athletics report. Following UCSB, the Rainbow Wahine faced another tough contender, Cal Poly, and were again swept in a disappointing show they'd rather forget. As noted by Spectrum Local News, despite the efforts of players like Bri Gunderson, Tyla Reese Mane, and Cha'lei Reid, who each tallied seven kills, Cal Poly secured their undefeated home record of the season with this victory.
Hawaii's spot in the upcoming conference tournament now hangs in the balance, as they share a tie with UC Irvine for sixth place, both sporting 7-9 conference records. However, Irvine holds the tiebreaker over Hawaii due to their head-to-head sweep earlier in October. The Rainbow Wahine will hope to leverage their home-court advantage in their upcoming matches against UC San Diego and Long Beach State, as they endeavor to secure a tournament position and continue their storied history of NCAA Tournament qualifications.
In the context of these setbacks, it's clear the team has struggled to find its stride this season, making an undesirable record for program single-season losses, and the trajectory for the storied Hawaii program is uncertain as they prepare to join the Mountain West Conference after this season. Cal Poly coach Caroline Walters reflected on their win, telling Spectrum Local News, "Unbelievably special. To do it in front of a crowd like that against Hawaii, playing them for the last time in Big West play with them leaving the conference, such excitement in that locker room right now. ... When Hawaii entered this conference, it was a much different story." Yet, the Rainbow Wahine remain hopeful, as UCI's upcoming schedule is no cakewalk – facing the conference's top contenders, which leaves the door open for Hawaii should they capitalize on their final matches.
