‘Bows take home first win of Walker era, downing Georgia Southern 3-1

News admin August 30, 2026 0 Comments

‘Bows take home first win of Walker era, downing Georgia Southern 3-1

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Rainbow Wahine have earned their first win in the Joshua Walker era after downing Georgia Southern in four sets, 3-1.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa women’s volleyball team beat Georgia Southern Friday to kick off the Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic.

The ‘Bows won the first two sets, 25-18 and 25-20, before losing the third set 25-17, but were able to bounce back 25-18 in the fourth.

Walker reflected on his first career victory as the head coach, the incredible home crowd and building a bright future for the team.

“It was great. They got off to a fast start. We have a deep team and they did a great job,” he said. “It’s not about me. I’ve been blessed. I’m appreciative and I’m going to keep working hard for the state of Hawaiʻi.”

UH was powered by the arm of Tali Hakas, who returned to the court after a shoulder injury last year.

She had 15 kills and nine digs in her return to Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

“The excitement since I woke up — getting into warmups, I had tears in my eyes,” Hakas said. “It’s bigger than myself; it’s for all the people who supported me.”

Even though a lot has changed for the ‘Bows in the offseason, Hakas has become a leader for the team.

“It’s the love for the game. I remind myself I’m doing this for volleyball, to stick together and believe in this program,” she said. “We’re doing it for the love of the game and the program.”

Up next, the ‘Bows take on Walker’s former team, the Baylor Bears, at Bankoh Arena.

“We’re playing with house money,” Walker said. “We know they’re a top team. If we’re able to compete with that team, then we know we’re one of the top teams too. So that’s the mindset heading into tomorrow night.”

Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. on KFVE.