Following his most successful season as Head Coach of the HPU women’s volleyball team, Daryl Kapis sat down with Sports Information Director John Barry to reflect on the season.
JB: This was the first time you returned the core of your team. How did this effect your preparation going into the season?
DK: It was great because I didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. There was already a strong coach-player understanding which rarely existed in my first three seasons. I had been with most of the team for a whole year and I knew the strengths and weaknesses going into the season. There were not as many question marks such as what positions needed to be filled and by whom. It also helped knowing what I needed to focus on with last years’ spring practices.
JB: You finished with an overall record of 14-11 and third place in the PacWest Conference at 11-5. How did you feel about the outcome of the season?
DK: What we achieved this season met my expectations. Sure I would have liked to finished higher in the standings and won more matches, but we competed all season long for the top spot in the conference and were always in the top three in the standings. Based on the level of talent I had coming into the year, how we did was what I expected.
JB: Which players really impressed you this season?
DK: Kyra Pelayo was impressive in just her sophomore year. She moved from a defensive specialist to an every day libero and did a fantastic job. This past summer she made a huge commitment to improving her game and came into preseason with a lot of confidence, which transferred right over to her play.
Kelly Balanay came back as one of the best middle hitters in the conference, and didn’t disappoint. As in her first two years, she won a lot of matches for us and I was happy to see her form continue and even improve.
Natasha Bell had a good freshman season and I was glad to see her continue to improve. She saw a lot of time as an outside hitter and I’m looking forward to continued improvement from her.
One of our top recruits, Sanoe Recca, also had a good season and actually exceeded my expectations of her coming straight out of high school. She showed flashes of brilliance during the season and, although she was a bit inconsistent, it’s clear she is on her way to becoming a great player.
JB: What are your expectations for the 2010 season?
DK: For the first time I believe we can win the PacWest. We have reached a point where a conference title is within our grasp and a definite attainable goal. We have a strong nucleus returning and next season’s newcomers have a chance to make a big impact.
Balanay Headlines HPU All-Conference Selections
Phoenix (11/19/09) – Kelly Balanay was selected to the All-PacWest Women’s Volleyball First-Team for the third consecutive season. The announcement was made today by the PacWest Media Office. Also earning conference honors for the Sea Warriors were Mariana Souza (Second-Team), Julia Gruszecka (Honorable Mention), and Kyra Pelayo (Honorable Mention).
Balanay, a junior middle hitter from San Diego, ranked second in kill percentage with a .306 average. She registered 289 kills and ranked eight in kills per game. Balanay also added 70 block assists, 21 block solos, and 14 aces.
Souza (Riberirao Preto, Brazil) took home Second-Team honors in her first season with HPU. The junior outside hitter posted a season total of 204 kills and 107 digs.
Gruszecka (Lodz, Poland) was selected as an Honorable Mention for the second straight season. The senior outside hitter recorded 237 kills and posted 156 digs. Pelayo (San Jose, CA) earned major time this year as a sophomore . Playing primarily as a libero, she finished fifth in the conference in digs per game (3.56) with a season dig total of 352.
The nine head coaches of the conference selected the squad which features 21 players evenly distributed over three teams – First, Second, and Honorable Mention.
HPU had its best season under Coach Daryl Kapis. They finished 14-11 overall and 11-5 in the PacWest, good for a third place finish.
HPU Volleyball Dominates On Senior Night
Honolulu (11/14/09) – On senior night at Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Chaminade, 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-23). HPU closes the season at 14-11 overall and 11-5 in the PacWest, while Chaminade finishes at 5-21 overall and 1-12 in conference.
Julia Gruszecka led the way in her final performance for HPU. She posted a match high 13 kills to go along with seven digs and three service aces. Kelly Balanay added eight kills and Kyra Pelayo recorded a match-high 17 digs.
Whitney Vivieros and Courtney Larusso each recorded nine kills to lead the Swords.
HPU never trailed in the match, and was only challenged in game three. The Sea Warriors led 23-20, but a Vivieros kill followed by a Gruszecka error brought CUH to within one point. Sanoe Recca then recorded two of her four kills to win the game and match for HPU.
The Sea Warriors end the season with their best conference record under Coach Daryl Kapis, and finish third in the PacWest. Following the match, HPU honored departing seniors Julia Gruszecka, Kelly Keating, Shawntell Jones, Aimee Tressiera, and Hikaru Kozuma.
HPU Volleyball Sweeps Lady Seasiders
Laie, HI (11/12/09) – At the Canon Activities Center on the BYU-Hawai‘i campus, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated the Lady Seasiders, 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-20). HPU improves to 13-11 overall and 10-5 in the PacWest, and BYUH falls to 13-14 overall and 9-7 in conference.
Kelly Balanay posted a match-high 13 kills for HPU, with Julia Gruszecka adding 12 kills of her own. Losaline Faka‘osi led BYUH with 11 kills.
The Sea Warriors broke away midway through each game to earn the sweep. In game one, a Gruszecka kill broke a 17-17 tie and started an 8-2 run to give HPU a 1-0 lead. Game two was much closer, but a pair of kills by Kelly Balanay and Sanoe Recca (2 K) gave HPU the win.
Mariana Souza recorded six kills and Tricia Yoshimura added 10 digs. Nobuko Kotoyori posted a match-high 22 digs for BYUH.
The Sea Warriors will play their season finale this Saturday, November 14. Following the match, HPU will honor seniors Julia Gruszecka, Hikaru Kozuma, Kelly Keating, Aimee Tresierra, and Shawntell Jones for their contributions to HPU volleyball. The match is set to start at 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory, and will be broadcasted live on KWHE-TV 14 and AM 1500 radio.
HPU Volleyball Falls To UH-Hilo In Four Games
Hilo, HI (11/7/09) – At UHH Gymnasium, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to UH-Hilo in four games (23-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-19). The Lady Sea Warriors drop to 12-11 overall and 9-5 in the PacWest. UHH improves to 25-1 overall and 15-1 in conference.
Kyra Pelayo led HPU with 12 digs and Mariana Souza, Kelly Balanay, and Julia Gruszecka each posted a team-high eight kills. Josimara Pinheiro paced UH-Hilo with 15 kills and 20 digs.
HPU distanced themselves late in game one. They broke a 17-17 tie with three straight points and held on for the win. After dropping game two, the Sea Warriors responded by taking a solid 15-11 lead in game three. But UHH would go on a 9-2 run to take the lead and held on for the win.
In game four, UH-Hilo grabbed an early lead they would not relinquish. Natasha Bell recorded six kills and six digs for HPU, and Tricia Yoshimura added seven digs.
HPU next takes on BYU-Hawai‘i this Thursday, November 12. Start time at Canon Activities Center is set for 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on AM 1500 radio.
HPU Volleyball Overwhelms Dixie State College
Honolulu (10/24/09) – At Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team swept Dixie State College, 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-20). The Sea Warriors improve to 12-10 overall and 9-4 in the PacWest, while Dixie State falls to 13-7 overall and 7-4 in conference.
For the Sea Warriors, Kyra Pelayo posted 23 digs and Kelly Balanay recorded 17 kills, both match-highs. Katie Luna’s nine kills and 12 digs paced the Lady Red Storm.
With the win, HPU moves into a tie for second place in the PacWest.
Each game featured a tight contest with HPU pulling away to grab the win. In game three, the Sea Warriors trailed 18-17 before kills by Natasha Bell, Julia Gruszecka, and Mariana Souza gave HPU the match.
Souza added eight kills for HPU.
HPU next takes the court Thursday, October 29, for its annual Alumnae match this. Start time is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
Sea Warriors Win Five-Game Thriller
Honolulu (10/21/09) – At Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Dixie State College, 3-2 (23-25, 25-17, 25-23, 18-25, 16-14). HPU improves to 11-10 overall and 8-4 in the PacWest, while Dixie State falls to 13-6 overall and 7-3 in conference.
Kyra Pelayo posted 45 digs, just eight shy of the HPU all-time record. Mariana Souza recorded 13 kills and 15 digs, and Kelly Balanay added a match-high 18 kills.
Katie Luna paced the Red Storm with 16 kills, and shared team-high honors with Kayley Poglajen with 24 digs.
Dixie State struck first with its game one win, but HPU responded by taking games two and three. The Red Storm responded with a convincing game four win, and grabbed a 14-10 lead in game five. The Sea Warriors rallied, staving off four consecutive match points to win 16-14, and take the match in five games.
Julia Gruszecka added 15 kills, and Kelly Keating recorded 16 digs.
HPU next takes the court this Saturday, October 24 to again play Dixie State. First serve at St. Andrew’s Priory is set for 5:00 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on AM 1500 radio.
Sea Warriors Upended By Grand Canyon
Honolulu (10/17/09) – At Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to Grand Canyon University, 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-21). The Sea Warriors drop to 10-10 overall and 7-4 in the PacWest. GCU improves to 14-8 overall and 4-6 in conference.
Kelly Balanay led HPU with 10 kills, and Natasha Bell recorded a team-high 12 digs. Dana Edington added a match-high 11 digs for GCU.
The Sea Warriors trailed throughout, as Grand Canyon grabbed early leads in all three games. HPU staved off five match points in game three, but a Whitney Estes (5 K) kill sealed the game and match for GCU.
Shawntell Jones posted eight kills for HPU, and Kyra Pelayo added 10 digs.
The Sea Warriors retake the court this Wednesday, October 21, against Dixie State College. Start time at Saint Andrew’s Priory is set for 7:00 p.m.
Sea Warriors Edge Dominican University
Honolulu (10/16/09) – In a Pacific West Conference match, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Dominican University, 3-2 (22-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 15-11). HPU improves to 10-9 overall and 7-3 in the PacWest, with the Lady Penguins falling to 4-18 overall and 0-9 in conference.
Trailing by two games, HPU overcame a 23-22 deficit in game three to push the match to a fourth set. In game four, they raced out to a 14-4 lead to help even the match, and put away Dominican in the deciding fifth game.
Kelly Balanay led HPU with 18 kills, and Kyra Pelayo added 23 digs. Kelly Keating posted a match-high 52 assists.
Dominican’s Gabby Pecora had a match-high 20 kills and Lashelle Rullan added 27 digs, also a match-high.
Sanoe Recca (11 K) and Mariana Souza (10 K) also delivered solid performances for HPU.
The Sea Warriors next take on Grand Canyon tomorrow, October 17. Start time at Saint Andrew’s Priory is set for 5:00 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on AM 1500 radio.
Sea Warriors Dominate Grand Canyon
Honolulu (10/14/09) – On the campus of Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Grand Canyon University, 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-20). The Sea Warriors improve to 9-9 overall and 6-3 in the PacWest. The Lady Antelopes fall to 12-8 overall and 2-6 in conference.
Kelly Keating recorded a season-high 46 assists, and Kelly Balanay posted 18 kills. Both were match-highs. Megan Toth had 11 kills to lead Grand Canyon.
HPU took command of the match in game one. They pulled away midway through and took the 1-0 lead on two Natasha Bell kills. Bell posted five kills and six digs.
HPU was tested in games two and three, but pulled away late to complete the sweep.
Julia Gruszecka (11 K) and Mariana Souza (10 K) also paced the Sea Warriors.
HPU returns to action this Friday, October 16 against Dominican University. Start time is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory, and will be broadcasted live on KWHE-TV 14 with the simulcast on AM 1500 radio.
Sea Warriors Fall To Vulcans
Honolulu (10/10/09) – At Castle Gymnasium on the campus of Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo, 3-1 (25-22, 25-20, 23-25, 25-16). The Sea Warriors fall to 8-9 overall and 5-3 in the PacWest, while UH-Hilo improves to 17-1 and 7-1 in conference.
Kelly Balanay posted match-highs in kills (14) and blocks (6) in the losing effort. Josimara Pinheiro paced UHH with 12 kills and 14 digs.
HPU trailed 2-0 but rallied in game three to push the match to a fourth game. Trailing 22-20 in game three, the Sea Warriors ran off five of the next six points, three by way of Balanay kills, to win 25-23.
Julia Gruszecka added 13 kills and four blocks for HPU, and Kyra Pelayo posted a match-high 20 digs.
HPU continues its home stand this Wednesday, October 14, as they face off with Grand Canyon. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on KWHE-TV 14 with the simulcast on AM 1500 radio.
HPU Volleyball Falls To Academy of Art, 3-2
San Francisco (10/5/09) – At Kezar Pavilion, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to Academy of Art University, 3-2 (19-25, 25-13, 25-18, 23-25, 15-5). The Sea Warriors drop to 8-8 overall and 5-2 in the PacWest, while AAU improves to 15-5 overall and 5-3 in conference.
Natasha Bell led HPU with nine kills and 14 digs. Kyra Pelayo posted a team-high 16 digs.
Dan Yang paced AAU with 21 kills and 16 digs.
After taking game one, the Sea Warriors quickly found themselves trailing 2-1 as they dropped games two and three by considerable margins. HPU evened the match with a game four win, rallying from six points down to win by two. The Sea Warriors won nine of the game’s last 10 points to push the match to the deciding game five.
The Urban Knights notched the first five points of game five, and won going away to take the match.
Kelly Balanay posted eight kills and Tricia Yoshimura added 12 digs for HPU.
The Sea Warriors return home and next face UH-Hilo this Saturday, October 10. Start time with the Vulcans is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory, and will be broadcasted live on AM 1500 radio and KWHE-TV 14.
Sea Warriors Defeat Dominican University
San Rafael, CA (10/3/09) – At the Conlan Center on the campus of Dominican University, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Dominican University, 3-0 (25-16, 25-13, 25-21). HPU improves to 8-7 overall and 5-1 in the PacWest, while the Lady Penguins drop to 3-14 and 0-6 in conference.
Mariana Souza and Kelly Balanay each had 11 kills to lead HPU. Julia Gruszecka posted seven kills and 13 digs, and Kyra Pelayo had a match-high 18 digs.
Gabby Pecora recorded a match-high 13 kills for Dominican.
Game one saw the Sea Warriors run off seven straight points to propel them to the nine-point win. In game two, HPU separated itself early from DU. The Sea Warriors scored six unanswered points early in the game to take a 10-4 lead, and won going away.
Game three featured a much tighter contest. A Pecora kill gave Dominican a late 20-19 lead, but HPU rallied to take six of the next seven points to close the match.
Natasha Bell added seven kills and nine digs for HPU.
HPU closes its road trip on Monday, October 5 against Academy of Art University. First serve with the Urban Nights is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Sea Warriors Drop First PacWest Loss
Belmont, CA (10/2/09) – At Walter Gleason Gym, the HPU women’s volleyball team was defeated by Notre Dame de Namur, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-20). HPU suffered its first PacWest defeat, falling to 4-1 in conference and 7-7 overall. The Lady Argos dropped to 4-2 in the PacWest and 6-13 overall.
Julia Gruszecka and Natasha Bell tied NDNU’s Breanna Morales with a match-high 11 kills. Kyra Pelayo posted a match-high 17 digs with Bell adding 10 digs of her own.
HPU held leads in all three games. In game one, HPU saw an early seven-point advantage disappear as NDNU grabbed a 1-0 lead. In game two, HPU saw another early lead evaporate but battled back to trail just 23-22. Two Ashley Fox (8 K) kills later, NDNU held a commanding 2-0 lead.
HPU’s Madison Hardy posted 24 assists for HPU. Shawntell Jones added eight kills and two blocks.
The Sea Warriors retake the court tomorrow, October 3, against Dominican University. Match time is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
HPU Volleyball Sweeps Academy of Art
San Francisco (9/30/09) – At Kezar Pavilion on the Academy of Art University campus, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated the Urban Knights, 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 27-25). HPU improves to 7-6 overall and 4-0 in the PacWest, while AAU drops to 13-5 overall and 2-3 in conference.
Tricia Yoshimura and Natasha Bell led HPU with 13 digs each, and Mariana Souza added a team-high 11 kills. Dan Yang posted a match-high 14 kills for AAU, and Jelena Jakovljevic recorded 14 digs, also a match-high.
Despite the three-game sweep, the Sea Warriors were tested in each set. After narrowly winning games one and two, HPU trailed late in game three before taking the match. The Sea Warriors held a three-point lead late in the game, but saw AAU run off five straight points to trail 23-22. After HPU staved off an AAU match point, Souza recorded her final kill to give HPU the game and match victory.
Bell and Julia Gruszecka added nine kills each for HPU, with Madison Hardy posting a team-high 22 assists.
HPU next takes on Notre Dame de Namur on Friday, October 2. Start time is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time in Belmont, CA.
Sea Warriors Top Argonauts in Five Games
Belmont, CA (9/29/09) – At the Walter Gleason Gymnasium, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Notre Dame de Namur 3-2 (13-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-12). HPU improves to 6-6 overall and a perfect 3-0 in the PacWest. NDNU falls to 4-13 and 2-2 in conference.
The Sea Warriors delivered an overall team effort. Three players posted double figures in kills led by Julia Gruszecka (12 K), and five others recorded double figured in digs. Kyra Pelayo posted a team-high 18 digs.
Caitlin Torres (18 K) and Sharol Mae Kahawaii (23 digs) paced the Argos.
HPU remains one of three teams undefeated and atop the PacWest standings. Each of its conference wins have gone to five games, with HPU trailing in all of them.
Sanoe Recca and Shawntell Jones posted 11 and 10 kills, respectively. Madison Hardy added 38 assists.
The Sea Warriors next take on Academy of Art University tomorrow, September 30. Start time in San Francisco is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
HPU Tops BYUH in Five Games
Honolulu, HI (9/26/09) – At Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated BYU-Hawai‘i in five games (16-25, 25-18, 15-25, 25-21, 18-16). HPU improves to 5-6 overall and a perfect 2-0 in the PacWest. BYUH falls to 4-8 and 1-2 in conference.
Natasha Bell and Mariana Souza paced HPU. Bell posted 18 kills for a .444 kill percentage, and Souza added 11 kills and 12 digs.
Ane Vea recorded a match-high 23 kills for BYUH, with Losaline Faka‘osi adding nine kills and 19 digs. HPU trailed 2-1 heading to game four.
Needing a win, HPU won five of the last seven points to even the match at 2-2. BYUH led most of game five, but HPU rallied to tie the score at 13-13 on a Tricia Yoshimura service ace. The two teams exchanged points until two straight Kelly Balanay kills gave HPU the win.
Yoshimura recorded a match-high 23 digs and Shawntell Jones added eight kills and two blocks. Julia Gruszecka posted seven kills, six digs, and four blocks.
HPU next travels to the mainland to play five PacWest games in seven days. First up is Notre Dame de Namur on Tuesday, September 29. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Sea Warriors Top Chaminade In Five Games
Honolulu, HI (9/23/09) – At McCabe Gym on the campus of Chaminade University, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Chaminade, 3-2 (25-16, 20-25, 28-30, 25-18, 15-10). HPU improves to 1-0 in the PacWest and 4-6 overall, while CUH falls to 0-2 in conference and 1-10 overall.
Kelly Balanay posted a season-high 23 kills and a match-high .447 kill percentage. Kyra Pelayo recorded a match-high 27 digs and Mariana Souza added 10 kills and 12 digs.
The Sea Warriors cruised through game one, but dropped games two and three to fall behind 2-1. After a convincing 25-18 win in game four, HPU rode the momentum for the game five win.
Courtney Lorusso paced Chaminade with 18 kills. Balanay added a match-high six blocks, and Tricia Yoshimura posted 15 digs for HPU.
The Sea Warriors return to action Saturday, September 26, versus BYU-Hawai‘i. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
HPU Volleyball Falls To Alaska-Anchorage
Honolulu (9/12/09) – On the final day of the Equus Challenge, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to the University of Alaska-Anchorage, 3-1 (26-24, 24-26, 27-25, 25-18). The Sea Warriors fall to 3-6 while Alaska-Anchorage improves to 6-3.
Mariana Souza led the Sea Warriors with 16 kills, and Kelly Balanay added 12 kills and six blocks. Souza also recorded 12 digs. Jackie Matthisen posted 16 kills to lead the Seawolves.
Games one and two were won by 26-24 scores, as both teams headed to game three tied 1-1. Trailing 20-15, HPU rallied to tie the score at 22-22 but could not pull off the win.
Madison Hardy recorded 44 assists for HPU, and Tricia Yoshimura added nineteen digs. Sanoe Recca contributed seven kills, eight digs, and four blocks.
HPU next takes on Chaminade on Wednesday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. The match is the conference opener for HPU, and will be held at McCabe Gym on the Chaminade campus. The match will also be broadcasted live on AM 1500 radio.
Sea Warriors Topped By Nanooks
Honolulu (9/11/09) – In the opening match of the Equus Challenge, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-14). HPU falls to 3-5 while the Lady Nanooks improve to 5-4. The match was played at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
UAF’s Jessica Hill and Megan Thigpen shared match-high honors in kills with HPU’s Julia Gruszecka. Each player posted nine kills on the night.
Tricia Yoshimura added 19 digs for HPU.
After dropping the first game, HPU nearly evened the match in game two. The Sea Warriors led 22-20, but kills by Thigpen and Erica Gage (4 kills) evened the game at 22-22. With the score tied at 23-23, Hill and Cage closed the game with consecutive kills to give UAF the 2-0 lead.
Madison Hardy posted a team-high 16 assists for HPU.
Kelly Balanay and Sanoe Recca each posted five kills, with Balanay adding four blocks.
The Sea Warriors play their second and final match of the Equus Challenge tomorrow, September 12. Start time of their match with the University of Alaska Anchorage is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory. The match will be televised live on KWHE-TV 14 with the simulcast on AM 1500 radio.
HPU Women’s Volleyball Topped By Humboldt State
San Francisco (9/5/09) – In its final match of the California Clash, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to Humboldt State, 3-2 (23-25, 13-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-10). HPU falls to 3-4 while the Lady Jacks even their record at 4-4. The match was HPU’s third five-setter in as many matches.
Mariana Souza again led HPU with 20 kills for a match-high .341 kill percentage. Tricia Yoshimura recorded a team-high 17 digs.
Oceana Matsubo (HSU) posted a match-high 22 kills.
The Sea Warriors were unable to hold on to a commanding 2-0 lead. After a 12-point win in game two, HPU was prime for the sweep but saw HSU come back to even the match, and take game five to steal the win.
Madison Hardy added a match-high 47 assists for HPU to go along with eight digs. Julia Gruszecka recorded seven kills and 11 digs, Kelly Balanay posted 12 digs, and Sanoe Recca added eight kills, 12 digs, and four blocks.
The Sea Warriors return home and next play in their own Equus Challenge. They open with Alaska-Fairbanks on Friday, September 11. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
HPU Volleyball Edges Cal State East Bay
San Francisco (9/5/09) – At the California Clash, the HPU women’s volleyball team topped Cal State East Bay, 3-2 (25-22, 25-17, 22-25, 24-26, 15-11). The five-setter was the second in as many days for the Sea Warriors, as they even their record at 3-3. CSUEB falls to 2-5.
Kelly Balanay led HPU with 16 kills and added five blocks. Tricia Yoshimura posted a season-high 26 digs.
After a narrow game one win, the Sea Warriors used an 11-1 run in game two to take a commanding 2-0 lead. The Pioneers responded with two wins to tie the match at 2-2, but HPU closed the match with the game five win.
Katie Gellerman led CSUEB with 10 digs. HPU’s Mariana Souza and Julia Gruszecka added 14 and 11 kills, respectively, and Shawntell Jones recorded eight kills and five blocks.
HPU closes the tournament this afternoon against Humboldt State. First serve with the Lady Jacks is set for 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
Sea Warriors Drop Five-Setter To Cal State Monterey Bay
San Francisco (9/4/09) – At the California Clash hosted by San Francisco State University, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to Cal State Monterey Bay, 3-2 (25-19, 25-21, 22-25, 20-25, 15-10). HPU falls to 2-3 while the Lady Otters improve to 2-2.
Julia Gruszecka led HPU with 18 kills, and Sanoe Recca recorded a team-high 12 digs.
HPU lost despite erasing a 2-0 deficit. Facing a three-game sweep, the Sea Warriors rallied with a late 8-2 run in game three to take the 25-22 win. In game four, HPU used another late run to take the win, but could not sustain the momentum as they fell in the fifth and deciding game.
For the Otters, Rheann Fall posted match-highs in kills (24) and digs (19).
Mariana Souza added 14 kills for HPU, with Tricia Yoshimura posting 11 digs.
HPU has two matches tomorrow, September 5, on the final day of the tournament. They open with Cal State East Bay at 9:00 a.m., followed by a 4:30 p.m. match with Humboldt State. Both start times are Pacific Standard Time.
Sea Warriors Fall To San Francisco State
San Francisco (9/3/09) – In the opening match of the California Clash, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to host San Francisco State, 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 28-26, 25-16). HPU falls to 2-2 while the Lady Gators improve to 4-1.
Julia Gruszecka led HPU with 15 kills, and setter Madison Hardy posted seven kills for a .545 kill percentage. She also added 20 assists.
The Gators were led by Beth Perkins (16 kills), Lauren Walsh (13 kills), and Halimah Oswald (10 kills).
HPU’s Tricia Yoshimura posted a match-high 21 digs.
After tying the match with a game two win, the Sea Warriors nearly took game four despite trailing most of the way. Behind 23-20, HPU rallied to tie the score at 26-26 on a Gruszecka kill, but two straight SFSU points sealed the win.
Kelly Balanay and Victoria Green added seven kills, with Natasha Bell posting eight digs.
HPU plays again tomorrow against Cal State-Monterey Bay. Match time is set for 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
HPU Volleyball Tops Adelphi
Honolulu, HI (8/29/09) – At Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Adelphi University, 3-1 (25-14, 21-25, 25-15, 27-25). The Sea Warriors improve to 2-1 while the Lady Panthers fall to 2-2. The match was HPU’s last of the Aqua Hotels Hawai‘i Invitational.
Kelly Balanay posted a game-high 16 kills, and Julia Gruszecka added 12 kills of her own. Gruszecka also recorded 12 digs.
Kelsey Hackett led Adelphi with 11 kills.
The Sea Warriors delivered several timely hits to win game four and take the match. Mariana Souza posted two of her seven kills in the late stages of the game, her second tying the score at 24-24. Balanay closed the game and match with a kill, assisted by Kelly Keating (26 assists, 10 digs).
Tricia Yoshimura added 18 digs.
The Sea Warriors now travel to San Francisco to play in the California Clash Tournament. HPU first takes on host San Francisco State on Thursday, September 3. Start time is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
HPU Volleyball Sweeps Cal-State East Bay
Honolulu, HI (8/28/09) – On the second day of the Aqua Hotels Hawai‘i Invitational, the HPU women’s volleyball team swept Cal-State East Bay, 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-13). The Sea Warriors improve to 1-1 while the Lady Pioneers fall to 0-2.
The match was played on the campus of Saint Andrew’s Priory.
Kelly Balanay posted a game-high eight kills and nine blocks for HPU. Victoria Green and Julia Gruszecka each added six kills, and Sanoe Recca posted five kills and 10 digs.
HPU’s Tricia Yoshimura and CSUEB’s Lauren Massa each posted a game-high 13 digs.
Despite the three-game sweep, HPU erased a 21-16 deficit to win game two. A 9-1 late run sealed the 25-22 win.
Cara Crowder led the Lady Pioneers with seven kills.
HPU plays its final match of the tournament tomorrow, August 29, against Adelphi University. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
Honolulu, HI (8/27/09) – At the Aqua Hotels Hawai‘i Invitational, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell 3-2 (15-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-21, 15-11) to Montana State-Billings. The match was the season opener for the Sea Warriors who fall to 0-1.
Kelly Balanay posted 15 kills to lead HPU. Sanoe Recca, in her first appearance as a Sea Warrior, recorded 11 kills and 10 digs, and Julia Gruszecka added 10 kills and eight digs.
Devon Crotteau recorded a match-high 23 kills for MSUB.
Whitney Micklesen posted a match-high 19 digs for the Yellowjackets, and Tricia Yoshimura led HPU in that category with 15 digs.
Victoria Green, also playing her first game for HPU, posted a match-high six blocks.
The Sea Warriors return to action tomorrow, August 29, against Cal State East Bay. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
Queen Creek, AZ (8/20/09) – Kelly Balanay was selected to the PacWest Preseason All-Conference Women’s Volleyball Team. The team was voted on by the PacWest coaches and sports information directors.
The announcement came during the PacWest Women’s Volleyball Media Day hosted by Academy of Art University in San Francisco. The event was broadcasted online to a worldwide audience at Redzonemedia.com.
The Pacific West Conference unveiled its predicted order of finish and 2009 Preseason All-Conference Team during the live press conference. The Lady Sea Warriors were predicted to finish fourth.
Balanay, a junior from San Diego, last year recorded 257 kills for the Sea Warriors while contributing 98 blocks and 316 points. She also boasted a .313 hitting percentage. Balanay enters the season as a two-time All-PacWest First-Team selection after earning the honors in 2007 and 2008.
HPU Head Coach Daryl Kapis gave his season outlook. “There’s really an excitement in the air at our practices. The coaches and I are pleased how the team is coming along so far. We hope to continue the momentum that we finished with last season.” Kapis also spoke about several of his players. “Our key returnees are Kelly Balanay, Tricia Yoshimura, and Julia Gruszecka who were each all-conference selections last year. Sanoe Recca, out of Kamehameha, will be one of our key newcomers.”
The Sea Warriors were 12-13 last season. They finished third in the PacWest, winning 10 of their final 13 matches.
HPU Volleyball Releases 2009 Schedule
2009 Schedule
Honolulu, HI (5/27/09) – The HPU women’s volleyball team released their 2009 schedule, announced today by the Hawai‘i Pacific University athletics office. The Sea Warriors will face nine non-conference regional opponents before beginning Pacific West Conference play.
HPU opens the season hosting the Aqua Hotel Invitational running from August 27-29. HPU’s tournament schedule features Montana State-Billings, Cal State-East Bay, and Adelphi University.
The Sea Warriors then travel to San Francisco for the California Clash hosted by San Francisco State University. HPU will play four matches beginning with the host Gators on Thursday, September 3, and ending with Humboldt State on Saturday, September 5.
HPU then returns home to host the inaugural Equus Challenge. They will play both the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and the University of Alaska-Anchorage on September 11 and 12, respectively.
“I’m really looking forward to playing an all Division II schedule,” said Head Coach Daryl Kapis. “It will be a great test for us.”
PacWest play begins Thursday, September 17, against defending conference champion BYU-Hawai‘i. The conference season includes matches against cross-town rival Chaminade, and PacWest newcomers Academy of Art and Dominican University.
“Our conference has some great programs, but I’m specifically looking forward to our matches with UH-Hilo,” adds Kapis. “Both of us have a lot of returnees and I anticipate some very competitive matches. We also had success last season against perennial powers Chaminade and BYU-Hawai‘i, so I am looking forward to those matches as well."
The Sea Warriors were 12-13 last season. They finished third in the PacWest, winning 10 of their final 13 games.
HPU Volleyball Signs Six
Honolulu, HI (5/1/09) – The HPU volleyball team signed six recruits for the 2009 season. Local star Tihani Kekauoha joins Victoria Green, Mariana Souza, and Madison Hardy as junior college transfers. Taylor Rico and Sanoe Recca join HPU as true freshman. The announcement was made today by Hawai‘i Pacific University.
Tihani Kekauoha (5’9, Jr.) graduated from Castle High School in Kaneohe and will be competing for time at the outside hitter position.
Mariana Souza (5’10, Jr.) will also vie for time as an outside hitter. The Brazilian native comes to HPU after two seasons at Laredo Community College (Laredo, TX) where she was a 2007 All-Region selection.
Victoria Green (5’11, Jr.) joins the Sea Warriors after two seasons at Cowley Community College (Arkansas City, KS). Last season she was an All-Conference selection and posted 3.23 kills per game.
Madison Hardy (5’7, So.) transferred from Iowa Western Community College (Council Bluffs, IA) and will be competing for time at setter. She averaged 9.74 assists last season and was named to the All-Region Team.
Taylor Rico and Sanoe Recca join HPU as true freshman. Rico (5’5) will be used primarily as a defensive specialist, and was a four-time All-League selection for Cle Elum Roslyn High School (Cle Elum, WA). She was selected as league MVP her sophomore year. Recca (5’9) lettered at Kamehameha School-Oahu and will compete for time as an outside hitter. She currently plays for the Pakela Volleyball Club in Honolulu.
The Sea Warriors were 12-13 last season. They finished third in the PacWest, winning 10 of their final 13 games.
HPU Volleyball Gives Back To The Community
On Sunday, April 19 at Kailua Beach Park, the HPU volleyball team joined the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i to lend a helping hand at the 8th Annual Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation Ocean Sports & Fitness Day.
150 kids attended the event, with ages ranging from 10-14 years. Each participant was able to choose either the surfing and body boarding clinic, ocean paddling and water safety clinic, or the volleyball clinic. The players and coaches taught the kids a variety of skills and finished with competitive games. Following the clinic, participants discussed with the players about college life, academics, and the rigors of playing collegiate volleyball.
“Volunteering for the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i was a great way for our team to give back and interact with the community,” commented senior Aimee Tresierra. “Getting to see how enthusiastic and excited the kids were to be learning volleyball was amazing. It was also very nice to see how many questions some of the kids had about going to college and how we chose HPU.”
The Sea Warriors recently finished their spring workouts. They will break for the summer as players prepare for the upcoming season beginning in August.
Sea Warriors and Wahine Battle in the Sand
(pictured: Tricia Yoshimura and Shawntell Jones)
On a picture perfect Saturday at Waikiki beach, the HPU volleyball team faced off with UH-Manoa in a twelve-team beach doubles tournament. Four teams in three pools fought it out with the top two in each pool moving into single elimination playoff.
Junior setter Kelly Keating and Sea Warrior volleyball alumnus Roberta Robert teamed up to pace HPU. They fought their way through two playoff elimination games against teams from UH-Manoa to reach the finals. Unfortunately, the HPU duo came up just short losing 21-18 against Aneli Cubiotineru and Amber Kauffman in what was the first intercollegiate beach tournament between Hawai‘i schools.
"I've seen huge improvements this spring in all of our players in their ability to play our type of volleyball," said HPU Head Coach Daryl Kapis. "I'm really excited that the team has taken to our philosophy that playing on the beach truly makes them better all around players."
The Sea Warriors have one more week of practices before they break for summer. The team will return with high hopes for the 2009 season with practices starting August 10th.
Spring Practices in full swing for HPU Volleyball
In late January the eleven returners to the Hawai‘i Pacific University volleyball program did their physical testing for the spring. The testing included strength tests of bench press and squats, t-test, and shuttle run for agility, vertical jump testing for power and explosion, and the “Beep Test”, which is to test their ability to consume oxygen. Each of the players were given a power ranking and are being challenged to be the top physical performer on the team, and the person who can move up as many spots as possible within the team by the end of April. Since then the team has been busy. For the first three weeks the team had a full lifting and conditioning regimen.
At HPU, this is not just your ordinary spring workout. Two days a week the team had beach conditioning, two days a week the team met for lifting, and Saturday’s were team hiking days. The team did three different hikes this year which included Koko Crater, Pill Box in Lanikai, and Manoa Falls. Being a former strength and conditioning coach back in California, Coach Kapis enjoys bringing different aspects of training to his team. “I always said, if I ever had a chance to coach in Hawai‘i, I would use everything around me to train our players.” commented Coach Kapis.
After the first three weeks of training were done, it was time to get to volleyball. The first step the HPU program did in the off-season was to hire Heidi Illustre-Boatright a former FIVB/AVP beach player and UH-Manoa player to train the team on the beach. “After doing a combination of beach and indoor practices the last couple of years, I thought this would be the perfect time to hire someone who has true high-level beach volleyball experience. From what I have seen Coach Illustre-Boatright is doing some great things,” added Kapis.
The team has been working on the basics of learning how to move, pass, adjust to wind variables, how to approach and hit in the sand, and how to play the game of beach-doubles. Coach Kapis knows that all of these skills will only improve their ability to play the game of volleyball. Since the start of practices, the team has now integrated indoor practices as well, as they gear up for their spring scrimmages.
HPU will be playing the University of Hawai‘i, BYU-Hawai‘i, and the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo which will take place in late March and early April. “During spring season, our team as a whole has greatly improved using the skills learned on the beach as well as in the gym,” commented junior middle hitter Shawntell Jones. After the indoor scrimmages are done, the team will focus their last two weeks on beach training which will conclude with two inter-squad tournaments.
