Rainbow Wahine volleyball sweeps Utah Tech, 3-0

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Rainbow Wahine volleyball team earned their first sweep of the Joshua Walker era against Utah Tech Thursday.

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The ‘Bows kicked off the Outrigger Invitational at the Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, avenging their Sunday loss to San Diego during the season’s opening weekend, and improved to 2-2 on the season.

UH took the first two sets 25-17 and 25-11, but the Trailblazers nearly won the third set and were tied twice in the final minutes of play.

Outside hitter Panna Ratkai put up a solo block and roofed Utah Tech to end the third set 26-24.

“We had resilience. We believed in ourselves,” Ratkai told K5’s Ryan Kalei Tsuiji. “I told coach Josh I was going to get a block, and I’m happy I got to have one.”

During the last huddle, Walker told them Utah Tech is “a great defensive team,” and praised Ratkai’s dependability.

“Panna just swings hard,” he said. “Really dependable. She has the same energy as Tali Hakas. [Ratkai’s] been playing a lot of volleyball — she is a real seasoned player.”

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Ratkai finished the night with 12 kills, two blocks and eight digs.

Tali Hakas notched 12 digs and 10 kills on the night while Miliana Sylvester put up six blocks. Setter Adrianna Arquette had 36 assists.

The ‘Bows were without key player Cha’lei Reid due to injury, and the rest of the team stepped up in her place.

“We play for her and each other. We try to stay together, helping out from the sideline,” Ratkai said.

Walker said it has always been a team effort.

“If we can play consistently, that is what gets us excited,” he said.

Up next, the Rainbow Wahine face Loyola Marymount Friday, who are coming off a four-set win against UC San Diego.

Walker said they need to focus on the serve and pass against the bigger, more physical LMU team.

“We need to serve tough enough to get them out of system,” he said. “If they are in system, it’s going to be tough — they set fast and high balls. We have to make sure we are serving tough.”

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Coverage on K5 begins at 6:30 p.m.