Kainoa Wade Shines as No. 3 Hawaii Defeats No. 6 BYU in Four Sets

The third-ranked Hawaii Rainbow Warriors secured a decisive victory over the sixth-ranked BYU Cougars, winning in four sets with scores of 27-25, 23-25, 25-17, and 25-18. Kainoa Wade led the charge for Hawaii with an impressive total of 26 kills, demonstrating his offensive prowess in front of a lively crowd of 4,800 at the Bankoh Arena in the Stan Sheriff Center.

Despite a setback in the second set, where Hawaii managed a remarkable hitting percentage of .538 but still fell short, the Rainbow Warriors regrouped effectively. They controlled the match thereafter, concluding with a team hitting percentage of .460. The defeat in the second set was notable as it marked only the sixth set lost by Hawaii this season, which now stands at 13 wins and 1 loss overall.

Louis Sakanoko contributed significantly to the team’s performance with 15 kills, six digs, and three aces. Meanwhile, Adrien Roure added 14 kills on 24 attempts, showcasing the depth of Hawaii’s attacking options. Middle blocker Travell Jordan also had a noteworthy game, achieving a season-high of seven kills alongside four blocks. Ofeck Hazan, who entered the match at the start of the third set, made his presence felt with four kills and two blocks.

On the opposing side, BYU’s Trent Moser stood out, leading his team with 18 kills. The Cougars, now holding a record of 13-3, previously faced two losses in five sets against No. 4 UC Irvine.

Hawaii’s victory extends their winning streak to ten matches, a testament to their resilience and teamwork. Both teams are scheduled to face each other again on March 15, 2024, at 19:00, promising another thrilling encounter for fans and players alike.