Box Score Box Score

RENO, Nev. - The University of Hawai`i Rainbow Wahine (29-1) defeated the host Nevada Wolf Pack (16-15) 30-16, 30-19 and 30-17 in front of a crowd of 1,211 in the semifinal match of the Western Athletic Conference Tournament at the Virginia Street Gym Saturday.

Kim Willoughby led the way with 18 kills, eight digs, two blocks and three aces. Lily Kahumoku added nine kills, seven digs and three blocks while hitting .400. Lauren Duggins added nine kills and three blocks while Maja Gustin led the effort at the net with six blocks and four kills. Melissa Villaroman led the way in the back row with 14 digs.

Nevada opened the match with two quick points before Tano started a 7-1 run to put UH up 7-3. The Rainbow Wahine let up a couple of points before Kahumoku served Hawai`i to a four-point run, pushing the edge to 11-5. UH got their lead up to 26-15 before running off four-straight points, including two big blocks by Gustin and Melody Eckmier, to take game one 30-16. UH held the Wolf Pack to a -.135 hitting percentage in the first game, recording four blocks.

Hawai`i started out game two on fire, jumping out to a 6-1 advantage early on. The Wolf Pack worked to cut it to 13-9 before Tano spearheaded a 7-1 UH run with two overpass-kills. The Rainbow Wahine continued to roll, taking the second game 30-19.

UH again jumped out early in game three, taking an early 11-4 edge. Hawai`i kept pouring it on as Willoughby put thumped a kill and a solo block, extending the lead to 22-9. The Rainbow Wahine were able to get their advantage as high as 27-11 before taking the third game, 30-17.

Hawai`i will now face the San Jose State Spartans tomorrow at 3 p.m. (1 p.m. Hawai`i time) in the WAC Championship match. The sixth-seeded Spartans got to the finals with consecutive upset victories over No. 3 Fresno State and No. 2 Southern Methodist.

Match Statistics

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