On Monday, Bria Beale could rest.
All of UH-Hilo’s volleyball players could, but Beale had a reward to show for her workload.
There was no surprise when the PacWest unveiled its first Hawaii pod player of the week. After taking 184 swings and hitting .234 with 68 kills, 64 digs and 13 aces in 19 sets covering two days, it was Beale – and the two-time all-conference outside hitter said she didn’t even have to ice her right arm after helping the Vuls to a 3-1 start.
“She said she got some rest and saw the trainer,” coach Chris Leonard said, “but that’s pretty typical.”
What’s not as typical was the competitive aspect of each match, three went five sets and the other went four.
“None were easy,” Leonard said.
He compared all the court time over an approximate 27-plus hour period to the chaotic scene featured in club volleyball.
Bhatt earns frosh accolade
Also earning an honor was softball pitcher Sara Bhatt, who picked up three victories for a Vulcans team that needed an extra arm to deliver in the circle, earning PacWest Freshman of the Week.
Bhatt didnt’t give up an earned run over 9 1/3 innings as UHH (5-0) swept Chaminade.
Vuls lead Sharks on Maui
Sophomore Kaelyn Uchida, a Waiakea High alum, shot an 80 Monday at the Anuenue Spring Break Classic on Maui, helping the Vulcans to a 12-shot lead over rival Hawaii Pacific.
Hawaii Pacific.
Uchida was in 14th place at 8-over. Tia Kualii was the next Vulcan on the leade board with an 85, with Kasumi Goto (88) and Tori Hironaga (90) next.
UC Davis led at 6-over 294 for an 11-shot lead on Portland State (305) and host Hawaii.