Box Score
HONOLULU - Top-ranked Hawaii and fourth-ranked Penn State locked-up in a battle fit for Warriors and Lions, with Hawaii emerging on top in four games, thanks to a strong team defensive effort and 24 kills from three-time All-American
Costas Theocharidis in the second match of the 2003 Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Invitational tonight at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Theocharidis, a senior from Orestiada, Greece, recorded his second double-double performance in three matches this season, adding a team-high 13 digs to his effort. The 6-foot-3 outside hitter came through huge in game three, with nine kills in the frame to help Hawaii seperate from the hungry Nittany Lions, who had just out hit the Warriors .429 to .133 to capture game two. Tonight was Thecharidis' 39th 20-plus kill effort of his collegiate career.
The Warrior front line played a large role in Hawaii's success against Penn State, out-blocking the Nittany Lions, 18.5 to 8.5. Junior setter Kimo Tuyay had the best blocking night of his fine career, setting new personal bests in total blocks (8) and block solos (3). Delano Thomas and Tony Ching chimed in with six blocks apiece.
Thomas enjoyed another fine offensive outing, drilling 15 kills in 24 swings at a .458 attack clip. Ching got hot late to help give the Warriors their finishing kick, recordig 10 of his 13 kills over the final two frames.
As in many previous Hawaii-Penn State matches, tonight's contest was a hard fought battle. The intensity of the action was fitting in a rematch between two teams that battled for a spot in the national title match last year at the NCAA Finals.
Penn State received a number of outstanding individual performances in their season opener. Zeljko Koljesar had a team-high 18 kills, followed by Carlos Guerra (15) and Zach Slenker (11). Libero Ricky Mattei began this season in the same fashion he ended his All-American 2002 campaign, hustling around the court to post a match-high 15 digs.
The "Men of War" continue action in the Outrigger Invitational tomorrow night against another 2002 NCAA Final Four squad in Ball State. Penn State will meet Shanghai Oriental in the day's early match. Action at the Stan Sheriff Center is set to begin at 5:00 p.m.
