Box Score (html)

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Emily Hartong had 11 kills and 10 digs, Jane Croson buried a match-high 13 kills and the No. 7 University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine volleyball team swept UC Riverside 25-17, 25-16, 25-19 on Friday night at the SRC Arena. Hawai'i improved to 9-2 overall and 2-0 in the Big West Conference while the Highlanders dropped to 5-9 and 0-1 in conference. 

The match was the second shortest of the season for the 'Bows who made quick work of UCR after a grueling five-set win at Cal State Northridge on Wednesday. UH hit a respectable .259 with Ashley Kastl adding 10 kills and four block assists of the bench. Hartong and Kalei Adolpho also both posted four block assists on the evening.

Amanda Vialpando led the Highlanders with 11 kills and Megan Patterson added a match-high 13 digs.

The 'Bows got UCR's best shot in the first set. Hawai'i led 5-0 but saw the Highlanders storm back to take an 8-7 lead. UH responded and took a 13-9 lead, one it steadily held until a pair of kills each by Hartong and Kastl gave the 'Bows a late four-point lead and eventually the set.

After a dominating second set win, UH saw UCR get off to a fast start in set three and take an early 9-5 lead. Following a Hawai'i timeout, the 'Bows came out and closed the door with a sensational 14-1 run that put them ahead 19-10.

The Rainbow Wahine play their third and final match of the road trip on Saturday, Sept. 22 against Cal State Fullerton. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. PT (4:00 p.m. HT).

-UH-