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Hawaiʻi Volleyball Goes 2-0 in All-Day Doubleheader

By Kennedy Choo

In a reprise of an all-day doubleheader, the University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warrior volleyball team showcased both its depth and dominance, going undefeated against Division II opponents Rockhurst and Roberts Wesleyan.

Hawaiʻi swept Rockhurst (25-19, 25-9, 25-15) in the morning match before closing out the day with another straight-set win over Roberts Wesleyan (25-22, 25-22, 25-20).

Unlike the previous doubleheader, head coach Charlie Wade started his regular lineup against the Hawks (1-4).

Frenchmen Adrien Roure and Louis Sakanoko made quick work of Rockhurst, combining for 29 of Hawaiʻi’s 50 total kills — outscoring the Hawks on their own. The duo committed just five errors, with Roure finishing the match error-free.

“That’s hard to do in warmups,” Wade said, marveling at Roure’s flawless performance. “They’re really great players.”

“He’s one of my best friends on and off the court,” Roure said of his fellow Frenchman. “We like to see each other succeed.”

Eight hours later, it was the B side’s turn to take the floor — this time in front of an actual crowd — a first for many of the underclassmen, against Roberts Wesleyan (2-2).

Once again, sophomore outside hitter Kainoa Wade led the way, recording 18 kills while adding four digs and a team-high three blocks. Wade hit .444 on the night, pacing the Rainbow Warriors (7-1).

“It was a lot of volleyball, but I love volleyball,” Wade said. “I was okay with it.”

Sophomore outside hitter Finn Kearney also contributed a strong performance, tallying 10 kills, two aces, and a team-leading six digs while hitting .364.

Hawaiʻi now heads into a bye week as it prepares for a cross-country road trip. The Rainbow Warriors will not return home until March 4. They next face Saint Francis on Jan. 28, followed by a two-match series at Penn State on Jan. 30 and 31.