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HONOLULU – In front of a raucous crowd on Sunday at the Stan Sheriff Center, the No. 8 University of Hawai'i women's volleyball team downed sixth-ranked Stanford in four sets (17-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-17) to win its fifth straight Chevron Rainbow Wahine Invitational. Jane Croson put down a match-high 21 kills to go along with 11 digs, and tournament Most Outstanding Player Emily Hartong had 17 kills and eight digs.

Carly Wopat and Brittany Howard both had nine kills for Stanford, who dropped to 2-1 on the season. Jordan Burgess had a team-high 11 digs.

After the 'Bows split sets one and two, they took off and completely dominated the match, allowing just 15 and 17 points in the final two sets. Set one went the way of the Cardinal by a solid 25-17 score. Wopat had a pair of kills in a Stanford spurt midway through the set, as the Cardinal built the lead to as many as eight points and cruised to the win.

Hawai'i rebounded for a thrilling set two win to even the match. After the teams traded points in the early going, a Kaela Goodman (6 kills) kill gave the 'Bows a slim 11-9 lead. Stanford would tie the score, but UH regained the advantage on kills by Croson and Kalei Adolpho (5 kills, 2 blocks). Stanford again rallied and tied the set at 19-19, but it were the 'Bows who won the crucial points down the stretch to even the match.

The 'Bows carried the momentum into the third set where they overpowered the Cardinal 25-15. UH went on a 6-1 run highlighted by a pair of Vorster kills, and cruised to the win on three late kills from Croson. Hawai'i was equally as dominant in set four. UH trailed 13-11 before seizing the momentum and racing to the win.

Ali Longo had a match-high 16 digs, Jade Vorster posted nine kills, and Mita Uiato added 11 digs.

Tickets issued for the contest were 7,426, with 6,052 fans coming through the turnstiles.

The 'Bows return to action next weekend for the Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic. UH will host San Francisco, Baylor, and California.

All-Tournament Team
Victoria Stroilo, Albany
Kristina Graven, Saint Mary's
Carly Wopat, Stanford
Karissa Cook, Stanford
Jane Croson, Hawai'i
Ali Longo, Hawai'i
Emily Hartong, Hawai'i (MOP)




                                                                                                    -UH-