Wahine take NCAA semifinals

The second-ranked UH Rainbow Wahine women’s volleyball team beat the Tar Heels of North Carolina tonight in Nebraska 30-21, 30-23, 30-22, advancing to the NCAA regional finals.

The Wahine are on the road for the NCAA “Sweet Sixteen.” And after tonight, it’s down to eight for the the remainder of the season.

“I thought it was a tough week for us because everybody was talking about the matchup with Nebraska,” head coach Dave Shoji said. “We knew that North Carolina was a good team, and they proved that tonight. I think our team did a nice job of concentrating on what it had to do, that was to win. We’re extremely pleased to be advancing.”

“I am proud of how our team stayed with it tonight,” North Carolina head coach Joe Sagula said. “Our spirit was good — we kept playing. I am proud of how our team played — especially the seniors with the leadership they provided this year.”

In game one, Hawaii led most of the way. North Carolina closed to 20-17, but a six-point run launched the Wahine ahead to 26-17. After three game points, Hawaii took it 30-21. The Wahine and The Tar Heels traded the lead several times in game two, North Carolina first at 6-2, then UH at 7-6, then North Carolina took it again, 12-10. After tying the game at 19 points, though, it was all Hawaii, who took it 30-23. Hawaii won game three 30-22.

The Tar Heels fall to 32-4. The Wahine are now 33-1, and will face the winner of the Nebraska-Miami match this weekend.