University of Hawaii secures third NCAA men's volleyball title after comeback victory
Louis Sakanoko named tournament's Most Outstanding Player as Hawaii finishes 30-5, bringing total NCAA championships to nine
The University of Hawaii men's volleyball team has claimed its third NCAA national championship title, defeating UC Irvine 3-1 in the final match of the National Collegiate Men's Volleyball Championship. The contest took place at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, where the second-seeded Rainbow Warriors demonstrated resilience by recovering from a decisive loss in the opening set to secure the victory.
Despite dropping the first set 15-25, Hawaii controlled the remainder of the match, winning the subsequent three sets with scores of 25-18, 25-18, and 25-20. This performance marks a significant shift in momentum for the programme, which had previously been dominated by the Anteaters in the opening frame before establishing their superiority in the following sets.
Kristian Titriyski led the offensive charge for the Rainbow Warriors, finishing with a match-high 16 kills, including the game-winning point. His efforts were supported by a balanced attack that registered a .410 hitting percentage for the match, with Adrien Roure contributing 15 kills and seven digs to the team's tally.
Middle blockers Justin Todd and Trevell Jordan combined for 12 kills in 17 swings, providing crucial support in the net. The team's hitting efficiency improved markedly after the initial setback, recording a .452 or better percentage in each of the final three sets, including a .538 mark in the clinching fourth set.
Louis Sakanoko was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player for his comprehensive performance, particularly in the fourth set where he recorded 12 kills, six digs, three blocks, and three consecutive aces. His contributions were instrumental in sealing the victory and capping off a historic season for the university.
The triumph represents the Rainbow Warriors' first 30-win season in program history, as they finished with an impressive 30-5 record. This achievement includes six wins against Big West rivals Long Beach State and UC Irvine, with several of those victories secured on the road or at neutral sites.
The victory adds to the University of Hawaii's legacy, bringing their total count of NCAA championships across all sports to nine. The team's success underscores their continued status as a powerhouse in collegiate volleyball, having previously secured national titles in 2015 and 2016.
