Hawaii Baptist holds off University Lab in ILH opener

Marissa Nakata led the Eagles in kills (12) and aces (5) and also added three blocks in a straight set win over the Junior Rainbows. Greg Yamamoto | SL

Hawaii Baptist opened its 2021 campaign with a sweep of University Lab, 25-20, 25-21, 25-14, in a match that started as a back and forth nail biter for two and a half sets before culminating in a runaway third set win for the home squad.

With the Junior Rainbows holding a 12-10 advantage, Marissa Nakata put on a show on the service line, notching five aces to help fuel an 11-0 scoring run by the Eagles, and ultimately putting the match out of reach for the visitors.

"I just realized that they weren't passing as well, and my dad always told me that if I'm getting on a run I should serve a little harder and try go for it," said Nakata.

Nakata, who finished with 12 kills and three blocks, fittingly also put down the final kill of the match on Leina Chu's game high 28th assist.

Chu, who usually slots in as the starting libero, was tasked with running the offense in place of Brooke Sarahina, who was not suited up for the match.

"At first it was a little challenging, especially since our libero was setting, so we had a little bit of trouble getting connections with the hitters, but eventually we started to get the hang of it," said Nakata.

University Lab kept within striking distance for two and half sets, but couldn't find enough end-of-set momentum to get back into either game one or two, falling behind 24-18 in the first, and then dropping three straight points after the tying the game at 21-all in set two.

Pi'i Carvalho led the way for the Junior Rainbows with 11 kills and two aces, and Milan Ah Yat added nine more. Makena Tong and Maiah Kalima-Izumi combined for 26 assists.

The Eagles had four players with at least six kills in the match, led by Nakata's 12. Caitlyn Wong and Lia Yamamoto had seven kills a piece and Kylie-Shyne Rivera-Kaahanui added six more to go along with 5 total blocks.