HONOLULU – The ninth-ranked Chaminade University women's volleyball team on Friday got yet another balanced attack, sweeping past Pacific West Conference newcomer Vanguard University, 25-22, 25-13, 25-19, at McCabe Gymnasium.
Five Silverswords put down at least four kills, led by eight each from
Letizia Cammillucci (Padova, Italy/San Jose State/Liceo Amedeo di Savoia Duca D'asosta HS) and
Mahala Ka'apuni (Hilo, Hawai'i/Alaska Anchorage/Hilo HS) in the first meeting between the two programs since 1992.
Lizanyela Lopez (Lima, Peru/Trinity Valley CC/Saco Oliveros HS), the reigning PacWest Defender of the Week, and
Malena Mihalik (Santa Fe, Argentina/San Eugenio) each tacked on six as Chaminade improved to 18-4 and remained undefeated in the conference at 11-0, putting them atop the conference standings by a half-game over Point Loma, which is 10-0.
Anna Stucchi (Roncello, Italy/Santa Clara University/I.I.S. Ezio Vanoni HS) added four kills for the 'Swords who captured win No. 499 since the program began in 1984.
The balanced attack was once again orchestrated by setter
Grace Talpash (Temecula, Calif./University of Oklahoma/Great Oak HS), who dished out 25 assists. She also had three blocks, one behind Stucchi's team-high four.
Primary libero
Nanna Inoue (Kula, Maui, Hawai'i/Tyler JC/King Kekaulike HS) had nine digs while
Kendall Rios (Tustin, Calif./Foothill) donned the second libero uniform for the first time this season and dealt four service aces. The total gave her 110 in her career, moving her past Natashya Enos and Danielle Robins into fifth in the school's career list.
Adeline Galvanoni and Bailey Olber led the Lions (7-8, 4-7 PacWest) with six kills each.
Chaminade established its dominance early and often, grabbing a 21-11 lead. But leading 24-16, the 'Swords could not quite put the Lions away, committing five attack errors and surrendering an ace, as the 6-0 Vanguard run brought the visitors to within 24-22 and to make the McCabe Gym crowd uneasy. But at its seventh set-point, Cammilucci closed the door to give the 'Swords the first-set win.
Whatever momentum the Lions had entering the second set was quickly extinguished, thanks to a 15-6 CUH lead. Chaminade allowed just two natural points in the frame as they quickly built a two-sets-to-none edge.
Vanguard managed to hang around in the final set, trailing just 18-17. But Cammilucci put down consecutive kills, Lopez followed with one of her own and a Lions' hitting error gave the 'Swords a 22-18 lead. At aloha ball, Rios served up the ace, which not only moved her past Enos and Robins in the career aces list but also ended the match.
Chaminade hit .280 in the match with 42 kills, all on assists, 37 digs, seven aces and six total team blocks. Vanguard hit .087 with 27 kills, 26 assists, 37 digs, three aces and five total team blocks.
The Silverswords face Concordia University Irvine on Saturday at McCabe Gym at 3 p.m. as they search for the program's 500th all-time win. It is a Dig Pink match and fans are encouraged to wear pink. Portions of the proceeds from the match will go to the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center.
