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| Photo Credit: Hawaii Athletics |
Hawaii Recap | Penn State Recap | Full Match(es) | Post-Match Interview
In a top ten ranked match-up of unseeded No. 7 ranked Hawaii and seventh seeded and No. 8 ranked Penn State, the Rainbow Wahine advanced after sweeping the Nittany Lions. The score went 25-22, 27-25, 25-16. This win by Hawaii is the first win over Penn State in program history as it brings the series record to 1-5. Penn State was the two-time defending national champions and have not lost in the NCAA Tournament since 2012. It was also Penn State's worst loss in the postseason since 2011 when they also lost in the regional semifinals to the eventual national champions.
Many people say that this is the best Hawaii has played all season and the results are proving that. Tonight they were led by junior opposite Nikki Taylor who had 18 kills and hit .361 and had eight digs while senior outside hitter Tai Manu-Olevau hit .500 with 14 kills and eight digs. Senior middle blocker Olivia Magill had nine kills hitting .474 while junior setter Tayler Higgins collected 48 assists. As a team, Hawaii hit .389 and had 54 kills and assists which were the most for a three set match this season.
There were technical difficulties for the first and second sets where the stream was not available. ESPN3 has the match up for a full replay. One user on VolleyTalk is uploading all postseason Hawaii matches in parts so I will post links later.
Hawaii moves on to the Elite Eight where they face second seeded and No. 4 ranked Minnesota. These two teams have not met since 2008 where they faced off each other in a preseason tournament hosted by UH with the Rainbow Wahine coming out with a 3-2 victory. Winner of this match will win the Des Moines Regionals and head to the Final Four.
That one's not coming back. #NCAAVB pic.twitter.com/eflmlktPMR
— NCAA Volleyball (@NCAAVolleyball) December 12, 2015
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