HILO, Hawaii - Point Loma's five-match winning streak was snapped at Hawaii Hilo in four sets on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
 
The Vulcans brought a large crowd and a lot of energy to the court to overcome the Sea Lions' recent run, which included a 15-set winning streak, and extend their own to 11 matches. The match began with an epic first set in which both teams had multiple match-point opportunities. The Vulcans managed to put it away with three straight kills from Bria Beale.
 
The Sea Lions answered back with a quick 25-17 win in the second set. The set was tied at 7-7 before PLNU rattled off eight of the next nine points to take a commanding 15-8 lead, which it carried to the set win. The third set was back-and-forth, but the Vulcans were able to close out by taking four of the last five points after PLNU cut it to 21-19 to go up 2-1 in the match.
 
That late run sparked the start of the fourth set for Hawaii Hilo as it jumped out to a 10-2 lead. PLNU  battled back and cut it to 19-15, but it was too late, and the Vulcans were able to hold on to win the set and the match.
 
Grace Hicks paced three Sea Lions in double-figure kills with 14. Madie Fox had 12 kills, and Claire Smith posted a double-double with 11 kills and 14 digs. Cara Keturakis also registered a double-double with 45 assists and 12 digs. Courtney Dyer had a match-high 26 digs. Bria Beale led the Vulcans with 16 kills while posting 10 digs.
 
Team Records
Point Loma (12-7, 8-3 PacWest), Hawaii Hilo (16-5, 11-2 PacWest)
 
PacWest Implications
The result gives Hawaii Hilo sole possession of third place in the PacWest Conference. Even with the loss, Point Loma remains fifth in the PacWest standings. The Sea Lions trail Hawaii Pacific (10-2 PacWest), Hawaii Hilo (11-2), Azusa Pacific (8-1) and Chaminade (12-0).
 
Words from coach Jonathan Scott
On the playing in that environment: "It was a fun environment. Hawaii fans are volleyball people. They always know their volleyball out here, and it is fun to play in front of them."
 
On Hawaii Hilo: "They are a nice team. They serve tough and put the pressure on us with their attackers."
 
On moving on from this loss: "This is a very contingent atmosphere in a very contagious sport. Our biggest focus now is to get some food, get some rest and get ready for the next match."
 
Scoring Summary
Set 1: UHH 29, PLNU 27
Set 2: PLNU 25, UHH 17
Set 3: UHH 25, PLNU 20
Set 4: UHH 25, PLNU 19
 
News and Notes
> PLNU saw its 15-set winning streak snapped in its first-set loss
> The Sea Lions have not won at Hilo since 2015 (0-3)
> PLNU has only once swept on its Hawaii road swing (2015)
> Point Loma still leads the all-time series 7-6
 
Up Next
Point Loma will now prepare to face Hawaii Pacific (14-6, 10-2 PacWest) on Friday, Oct. 25, at 10 p.m. PST.