By any offensive measure, UH-Hilo’s women’s basketball team put together its best quarter of the season. ADVERTISING By any offensive measure, UH-Hilo’s women’s basketball team put together its best quarter of the season. The trick will be stringing together three
By any offensive measure, UH-Hilo’s women’s basketball team put together its best quarter of the season.
The trick will be stringing together three more.
Freshman Kim Schmelz scored 25 points Thursday, but the Vulcans were otherwise stuffed in Honolulu, losing 70-53 to undefeated Armstrong State.
UH-Hilo shot just 29.2 percent in falling to 0-4.
“Early in the game, their press I think got us out of rhythm,” coach David Kaneshiro said. “When we broke the press, we didn’t make very good decisions.”
On Thanksgiving, the Vulcans’ shooting was either feast or famine.
Schmelz shot 8 of 17 and has led UH-Hilo in scoring the past three games, and Felicia Kolb was 4 of 8 from the field for 10 points. However, Lauren Hong (1 of 8),Patience Taylor (0 of 6) and Keani Shirai (0 for 7) all struggled from the floor. Alia Alvarez added 10 points and six rebounds but was only 4 of 11.
The Vulcans began to cut into a 19-point halftime deficit with a 27-point third quarter.
“We had really good ball movement; much better than the first three games,” Kaneshiro said. “I think we’re headed in the right direction.”
Armstrong State of Savannah, Ga., improved to 6-0. It shot 45 percent and held a 35-24 rebounding edge. Brigitta Barta finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds and Machala Raymonville tallied 15.
“They have a nice mix of foot speed and quickness,” Kaneshiro said. “Not the tallest starting five, but they bring some height off the bench.”
The Vulcans will try for their first win Friday against Emporia State in Laie, Oahu.
