Warriors Claim Victory: Hawai’i Men’s Volleyball Secures Fourth Big West Championship Title!

HONOLULU — The University of Hawai’i men’s volleyball team has once again claimed the Big West championship title. They secured their fourth title with a hard-fought win against Long Beach State on Saturday at the SimpliFi Arena.

Adrien Roure shone brightly during the match, recording 11 kills and earning MVP honors. He played a crucial role in the 25-21, 25-22, 21-25, 25-22 victory. Louis Sakanoko added four aces in the final set, while setter Tread Rosenthal capped off the match with the final point. This win adds to Hawai’i’s previous titles in 2019, 2022, and 2023.

According to a recent NCAA report, the Warriors’ victory further establishes their dominance in the Big West volleyball scene. The team, now at a record of 26-5, also earned an automatic bid to the National Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Championship happening in May in Columbus, Ohio.

During the match, freshman opposite Finn Kearney stepped up, leading the team with 14 kills. Roure, effective throughout the tournament, finished with a remarkable hitting percentage of .491. His performance also included nine digs, showcasing his defensive skills.

From the other side, Long Beach State’s top player, Nato Dickinson, recorded 21 kills but could not secure victory. The Beach’s national leader in aces, Moni Nikolov, had a notable outing but faced challenges against a determined Warriors defense.

The teams have a recent history of intense matchups, splitting their regular-season games earlier this month. This championship match drew a nearly full house, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

The Warriors took charge early, hitting an impressive .540 in the first two sets. They rallied back from a deficit in the fourth set to claim the championship. Fans on social media celebrated the win, with hashtags like #WarriorBall25 and #GoBows trending, showcasing the community’s excitement and support.

In summary, with this latest championship, the future looks bright for Hawai’i volleyball. Their blend of seasoned players and fresh talent promises more thrilling moments on the court. As they prepare for the national championship, fans eagerly await the selection show on April 28 to see who they will face next.

For more on the upcoming NCAA championship, visit ncaa.com.

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