HONOLULU – It was a spirited evening of volleyball at the Stan Sheriff Center, as University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine players, past and present, showcased their talents in a pair of alumnae contests on Friday.
 
The night began with the Green vs. White match, as the Green team won two of the three played sets, 25-16, 25-17, 6-15. The Rainbow Wahine varsity then held off a talented alumnae team in four sets (25-23, 25-18, 17-25, 25-19) in the featured event of the evening.
 
Alumna Kanani Danielson had a match-high 15 kills and, in her first appearance with UH, Tai Manu-Olevao posted six kills and three blocks. Emily Hartong led the 'Bows with nine kills. All stats were kept unofficially.
 
The varsity edged the alumnae in a close first set, but looked to have the match well under control with a solid 25-18 win in set two. Manu-Olevao was set early and often and on a thunderous Hartong kill, the 'Bows led 9-6. Kristiana Tuaniga put down a pair of short Monica Stauber sets to push the lead to 15-7, but the alumnae would not go away. Juliana Sanders recorded a pair of blocks to help the alumnae cut the lead to 17-15, but that was as close as they would get.
 
Danielson and Aneli Cubi-Otineru (8 kills) stepped up in set three to prevent a Rainbow Wahine sweep, but the varsity regained its form and secured the victory with a set four win.
 
The 'Bows now begin Big West Conference play with three road matches, taking on Cal State Northridge, UC Riverside, and Cal State Fullerton. UH first plays Northridge on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 7:00 p.m. PT.