Courtesy of Hawai‘i Athletics Media Relations
HAWAI‘I DEFEATS LONG BEACH STATE IN FIVE SETS TO CLAIM FIRST BIG WEST TITLE
The third time was the charm as the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team defeated defending NCAA and Big West champion, Long Beach State in five sets to capture its first Big West Tournament title. UH outlasted the Beach in five sets, 25-15, 25-23, 22-25, 20-25, 15-8 in front of a sold-out Stan Sheriff Center on Saturday night.
Senior outside hitter Stijn van Tilburg led Hawai'i with a match-high 25 kills en route to tournament Most Valuable Player honors. With the win, Hawai'i receives the Big West Conference's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament which begins in two weeks at Long Beach State's Walter Pyramid.
Van Tilburg hit .543 on the night with zero attack errors in 46 attacks. He also recorded one service ace, two digs and two blocks in the match. Six of his 25 kills occurred in the fifth set alone.
Junior outside hitter Colton Cowell came through with a huge night for the Rainbow Warriors (27-2) as he recorded his first double-double with career-highs of 18 kills and 12 digs (match-high). He hit .471 with just two errors in 34 swings and also added a service ace and three blocks. Senior setter Joe Worsley tied his career-high with a match-high 59 assists. He also contributed four digs and was in on two blocks.
The UH win extended its home winning-streak to 17.
The NCAA Men's Volleyball Tournament Selection Show takes place on Sunday, April 21 at 7 am HT/10 am PT on NCAA.com.
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