Titriyski returns as Hawaii sweeps Mount Olive at Outrigger Invitational

MANOA — Welcome back Kristian Titriyski.

The All-American opposite recorded a match-high 10 kills in his first appearance in nearly a month as the University of Hawai‘i men’s volleyball team swept Mount Olive 25-18, 25-19, 25-17 on the opening day of the 30th Outrigger Invitational at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center Thursday night.

Titriyski, who missed the Rainbow Warriors’ previous 11 matches with an injury, also added two service aces, three digs and three blocks in the victory.

“It feels good to be back there in front of the fans playing,” Titriyski said. “It was just nice to play. It’s a quick win and we’re looking forward to the next games.”

Hawai‘i (16-2) dominated offensively, hitting a season-best .603 while committing only six attack errors on 63 swings.

Coach Charlie Wade said the team’s depth contributed to the efficient performance.

“It was good to get some guys some run,” Wade said. “Again pretty pleased with the offensive efficiency. No matter who we rolled out there, they seemed to do a nice job.”

Titriyski entered the match in the second set, receiving a loud ovation from the crowd of 3,329. He finished the set with six kills and two blocks.

“I’m really happy to see that reaction from the fans,” Titriyski said. “It makes me really happy and I’m thankful for that.”

A total of 13 Hawai‘i players saw action in the match.

Finn Kearney tallied nine kills while hitting .667 and added two aces and a block. Louis Sakanoko contributed six kills on .500 hitting, while Adrien Roure finished with five kills in one set of play.

Setter Tread Rosenthal paced the offense with 36 assists to go along with six digs and three kills.

Freshman outside hitter Thatcher Fahlbusch also made an impact, recording four kills on four swings without an error in his third appearance of the season.

The Rainbow Warriors totaled nine service aces, including a career-high four from Justin Todd.

Friday’s matches at the Outrigger Invitational were canceled, but Saturday’s slate — including Hawai‘i’s scheduled matchup against No. 1 UCLA — remains on schedule pending weather conditions.