One of UH-Hilo volleyball coach Gene Krieger’s goals this season was to avoid a “mini-Marley” situation — a dynamic where the Vulcans would overwhelmingly have to rely on one outside hitter to take all their swings.
One of UH-Hilo volleyball coach Gene Krieger’s goals this season was to avoid a “mini-Marley” situation — a dynamic where the Vulcans would overwhelmingly have to rely on one outside hitter to take all their swings.
On Friday, the first-year coach got the balance he cherishes.
Junior transfer Randi Hunter led the way with 14 kills, hitting a robust .419, and five other players notched at least four kills as UH-Hilo swept San Francisco State, 25-16, 25-20, 27-25, on the Gators’ home court at the D2 West Region Volleyball Showcase.
Perhaps the new-found depth is one reason the Vulcans (3-2) appear to be gaining strength as their season-opening road trip winds down. UH-Hilo takes on Cal Poly Pomona on Saturday morning in its sixth match in five days.
Less than 24 hours after beating Alaska, the Vuls led almost the entire way against San Francisco State. Senior Siera Green, taking over the No. 1 hitter role from Marley Strand Nicolaisen, added seven kills with nine digs, but she by no means had to carry the load – which was often necessary of Strand-Nicolaisen in 2016 – taking only 24 swings.
Junior middle Katrina Johnson also tallied seven kills, hitting .350, junior middle Ashton Jessee added five to go along with five blocks assists, and Kiley Davis and Lucee Fitzgerald each added four kills.
Hunter came up with six kills in Game 2, including on set point. She led UH-Hilo with 31 swings.
Fitzgerald, Green and Hunter each put down balls to rally UH-Hilo in Game 3, and two Gators errors ended the match.
Mina Grant compiled 13 digs and Basia Sauni had 20 assists for the Vulcans, who won the hitting battle .289 to 222 and held an 8-4 advantage in blocks.