Hawai’i Men’s Volleyball Dominates NJIT in Season Opener
The University of Hawai’i men’s volleyball team kicked off their 2026 season in style, securing a solid victory against NJIT with set scores of 25-11, 25-16, and 25-14 at the Bankoh Arena. This win extends their season-opener winning streak to 13, showcasing their consistent performance since 2014.
In this match, the Rainbow Warriors displayed impressive teamwork and skill. They posted a remarkable hitting percentage of .517, complemented by robust defensive efforts, including 13.5 blocks and six aces.
Standout Performers
Kristian Titriyski was a force on the court, leading the team with 12 kills and a hitting percentage of .455. He also contributed two aces and four digs. Setter Tread Rosenthal orchestrated the offense smoothly, registering eight blocks and three aces, while maintaining low errors with only four attack mistakes out of 60 attempts. Newcomer Trevell Jordan showed promise as well, adding four kills and six blocks.
On the other side, the Highlanders found the match challenging, struggling offensively with a hitting percentage of .045 and failing to record any blocks or aces. Andre Aleixo managed a double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs, highlighting his efforts despite the team’s overall performance.
Match Highlights
Hawai’i quickly established their dominance in the first set, racing to a 5-0 start. They later increased their lead with a six-point run, ending the set with an incredible .556 hitting percentage, while NJIT failed to score any points in that frame.
The second set saw some competitive spirit from NJIT, trailing closely until Hawai’i pulled away with a 7-2 run. They ended this set with five blocks, displaying their defensive strength even as NJIT improved offensively.
In the third set, UH found their rhythm again, creating a comfortable lead with a 7-1 run. Reserves Ofeck Hazan and Finn Kearney added to the team’s efforts with key blocks as they again held NJIT to a hitting percentage of .000.
Looking Ahead
The teams will face off again this Sunday, giving Hawai’i another chance to build on their strong start to the season.
This performance not only sets a positive tone for the Rainbow Warriors but also reflects their ongoing dedication and strategy under pressure, drawing both fan excitement and social media buzz. As conversations unfold online, fans are eagerly anticipating how the season will progress.
For more insights on the team’s performance, you can check out the official Hawai’i Men’s Volleyball Twitter.
