Rainbow Warriors Dominate Doubleheader, Set Stage for Friday Rematch
HONOLULU – The University of Hawai’i men’s volleyball team showcased its strength Wednesday, sweeping both Roberts Wesleyan and Rockhurst in a doubleheader at Bankoh Arena. The Rainbow Warriors (5-1) demonstrated both starting-lineup power and depth, preparing for a quick turnaround with another doubleheader against the same opponents on Friday.
Hawai’i Overpowers Rockhurst in Nightcap
The Warriors closed out the evening with a decisive 3-0 victory (25-21, 25-19, 23-25, 25-13) against Rockhurst. A potent offensive duo of Kristian Titriyski and Adrien Roure led the charge, combining for 30 kills. Roure’s impressive performance included five aces and seven digs, while Titriyski added six digs and three blocks. Louis Sakanoko contributed nine kills and three blocks, bolstering the team’s front-line presence.
Hawai’i’s hitting percentage of .382 significantly outpaced Rockhurst’s .167. A season-high 10 aces and a strong blocking game (8.5 to 8.0) further cemented the Warriors’ dominance. Rockhurst’s Shay Spadaro, Will Sutphen, and Lucan Tran each recorded eight kills, but it wasn’t enough to counter Hawai’i’s all-around performance.
Reserves Shine in Straight-Set Win Over Roberts Wesleyan
Earlier in the day, Hawai’i defeated Roberts Wesleyan 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-16) in a match that provided valuable playing time for the team’s reserves. Kainoa Wade delivered a standout performance, achieving a career-high 21 kills with a .514 hitting percentage. This showcased the depth of talent within the Warriors’ roster.
The match also marked the UH debut of Thatcher Fahlbusch, who contributed six kills, and saw strong performances from Finn Kearney (six kills) and Magnus Hettervik (22 assists). Setter Victor Lowe efficiently directed the offense to a .462 clip in the third set, demonstrating the team’s versatility at the position.
Looking Ahead: Friday’s Doubleheader and Championship Contention
Friday’s rematch against Rockhurst (11:00 a.m. HT) and Roberts Wesleyan (7:00 p.m. HT) presents an opportunity for Hawai’i to refine its strategies and further solidify its position as a national championship contender. The team’s ability to seamlessly integrate both its starting lineup and reserves is a key strength.
This early-season success builds on Hawai’i’s strong volleyball tradition. The program consistently ranks among the nation’s elite, and this year appears no different. The Warriors’ focus on serving, blocking, and efficient hitting will be crucial as they navigate a challenging schedule.
Did You Know?
Hawai’i’s 10 aces against Rockhurst were the most by the team in a single match this season, highlighting an improved serving performance.
Pro Tip:
Effective volleyball teams prioritize consistent serving. A high percentage of serves in play puts pressure on the opposing team’s passing game and creates opportunities for offensive attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current record of the Hawai’i men’s volleyball team?
The team is currently 5-1. - Where are the games being played?
The games are being played at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu. - Who are the key players to watch for on the Hawai’i team?
Kristian Titriyski, Adrien Roure, Kainoa Wade, and Louis Sakanoko are key players. - When is the next doubleheader?
The next doubleheader is on Friday, January 16th, with games at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. HT.
#HawaiiMVB
Stay updated on all Hawai’i men’s volleyball action by visiting HawaiiAthletics.com. For more in-depth coverage of collegiate volleyball, explore resources like NCAA.com.
Want more updates on the Rainbow Warriors? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, game recaps, and behind-the-scenes access!
