Hawai'i's Dominance Continues: NCAA Awaits

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa men’s volleyball team is on the move again. Their 10th NCAA Championship appearance? Locked in. Adrien Roure and the Rainbow Warriors aren’t just showing up; they’re coming for crowns.

TAKING DOWN THE BEACH

Clinching their spot wasn’t a cakewalk, but Hawaiʻi handled business against Long Beach State in the OUTRIGGER Big West Championship final. A four-set victory (25-21, 25-22, 21-25, 25-22) at SimpliFi Arena sealed the deal.

Roure was a beast, tallying 11 kills without a single error, earning him tournament MVP honors. Finn Kearney wasn’t far behind, 14 kills to his name. And when the fourth set needed a spark? Louis Sakanoko delivered four aces. Game-changer.

SERVE AND CONQUER

Head Coach Charlie Wade had a plan, and it showed. "We really made progress serving," Wade said. "Our best serving night of the year." Efficiency over flash, and it worked.

The numbers? They don’t lie. The Rainbow Warriors hit a scorching .411 for the match, reaching .540 in the first two sets. Tread Rosenthal ran the show with 42 assists, closing the match with his fifth kill.

ALL EYES ON COLUMBUS

Next up: Columbus, Ohio. The stage is set for the national quarterfinals on May 8. Hawai’i will take on the winner of Daemen vs. Penn State. With back-to-back NCAA titles in 2021 and 2022, this squad knows how to win when it counts.

This isn’t just another tournament for Hawaiʻi. It’s another chance to prove they’re still the team to beat. And from there... it’s all or nothing.

Source: hawaiiathletics.com