October 6, 2007

Seasiders Hold Off Rebels

Noelle Filimoeatu (shown in earlier action) knocked down a career-high 29 kills in today's win

St. George, UT–Senior outside hitter Noelle Filimoeatu hammered a career-high 29 kills to lead the Brigham Young University Hawaii women’s volleyball team to a 3-2 win over Dixie State this afternoon in a Pacific West Conference match. The Seasiders, who swept the Rebels in three straight games last night, appeared on their way to another sweep after taking the first two games today handily. However, Dixie State fought back to force a fifth game before the Seasiders prevailed 30-18, 30-25, 27-30, 26-30, 15-8.

BYU–Hawaii roared out to a 9-1 lead in the first game and never looked back in taking the lopsided win. The Rebels took an early 15-10 lead in game two before the Seasiders scored five straight to knot the score at 15-15. The game was still tied at 22-22 when the Seasiders took control and pulled away for the 2-0 lead. Game three was tied 12 times, the last time at 26-26, before the Rebels pulled out the win and Dixie State took an 11-6 lead early in game four and held on despite the Seasiders closing to within a point at 16-15. BYU–Hawaii then held a slim, 7-6 lead in game five before scoring eight of the last ten points to close out the match.

Filimoeatu made 15 digs and put up three blocks to go with her match-high kills total to lead the Seasiders. Faylynn Merrick blasted 14 kills, hit .357, and made three blocks in the win and Agnes Tuilevuka added 13 kills, 17 digs, and four service aces. Keisha Moeai led the defense with 29 digs and Nyoka Peniata added a career-high 20 digs to the Seasider cause. Setter LeeAnn Mapu put up 59 assists and made 13 digs while Tanza Buroker notched nine kills and had three blocks.

Cami Johnson had 18 kills to lead the Rebels, now 4-17 for the season and 2-5 in the PacWest. Shalie Flannery had 15 kills and Taya Langston 13 for Dixie State while Elizabeth Stephens got 32 digs to lead all players. Mariesa Nielson had eight blocks as the Rebels out-blocked the Seasiders 17-6.

BYU–Hawaii will face UH-Hilo in Hilo on Friday and Saturday at 7:15 pm each night.

Box Score