Hawai’i rolls in preseason tune-up against Chaminade

Hawai’i rolls in preseason tune-up against Chaminade

Aug 17, 2026

Hawai’i rolls in preseason tune-up against Chaminade

Outside hitter Panna Ratkai celebrates during a scrimmage against Chaminade. The Dayton transfer had a match-high 13 kills in three sets against Chaminade. | Photo Credit: HSRN

HONOLULU – Welcome back, Rainbow Wahine.

The University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team swept through four sets of exhibition action against Chaminade on Monday, (25-20, 25-16, 25-10, 25-13), seeing all 15 players on the roster get action as the Rainbow Wahine took each of the three frames in regulation along with the pre-match mutually agreed fourth set regardless of the results prior.

Dayton transfer Panna Ratkai led Hawai’i with 13 kills in her fall debut with the program while returning junior middle blocker Miliana Sylvester turned in an exceptionally productive night with 11 kills and only one attacking error on 16 swings while adding a team-best six blocks (2 solo, 4 assisted) in the first three sets.

Sylvester spoke about energy in the building and amongst the team after the match, expressing how finally playing another team other than themselves brought up the excitement for the night by itself.

“I think it’s really cool to have our whole team on one side of the net and rallying for the same thing,” Sylvester stated. “In the practice gym, you know, it’s [A-side vs. B-side], or it’s kind of mixed up and we’re dogging on each other. To be on one team and face a different opponent that’s not ourselves, we don’t necessarily know their tendencies. It’s cool to see how we adjust.”

In front of a crowd of a few thousand fans, both programs took a little time to get moving after a weekend filled with cancelled practices and chaotic weather. Despite some sluggishness, the Rainbow Wahine and Silverswords each felt the night was productive overall as the regular season approaches for each.

“We’re very glad we had this exhibition, so we make sure we’re translating the things we’ve been working on in practice to the games,” Hawai’i head coach Joshua Walker said after making his debut as the head man in charge of the UH women’s volleyball program. “I think we definitely had some cobwebs early and then we were able to steady up.”

Chaminade, who has been a PacWest powerhouse under the leadership of 15th-year head coach Kahala Kabalis Hoke, showed plenty of fight in the opening two stanzas of the night despite dealing with a plethora of cancelled practices ahead of Monday’s action but ultimately ran out of gas against an aggressive Rainbow Wahine group.

In total, the Silverswords held less than a handful of practices ahead of the exhibition against the Rainbow Wahine.

“[Just] a huge benefit to be able to get out there tonight and see what we have,” Kabalis Hoke said following the match. “We had some adversity moments that I really got to see some people come through, unfortunately we couldn’t sustain it so now, [we’re] working on a way to maintain that focus [going forward].”

The opening stanza was the best of the night for Chaminade, playing within a point of their University of Hawai’i counterparts, 18-17, before the Rainbow Wahine scored seven of the final 10 points of the frame.

Chaminade remained within striking distance in the second set until the midway media timeout, seeing a 15-12 deficit quickly get away for a 25-16 decision in favor of the Rainbow Wahine.

Hawai’i progressively got smoother as the night’s action progressed, raising their hitting percentage in every frame from .319 as a group in the debut stanza before raising up to .344 in the second set.

Sylvester and Ratkai each got into double digits for kills by the end of the second set, each tallying 10 putdowns to pace the Rainbow Wahine and give way to a few more experimental rotations for Walker and staff throughout the evening.

The third and fourth frames provided an opportunity for Walker and company to get a longer look at younger players, seeing freshmen like libero Cameron Holcomb, setter Manon Baudrillard and outside hitter Mano Antiga get valuable game-like reps in front of a crowd at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Baudrillard appeared in full control of directing the offense, handing out six assists in the third set while registering a pair of digs as well before staying on for the fourth set that didn’t keep track of statistics.

Antiga delivered a set-clinching service ace before enjoying extended action in the fourth set while Holcomb clearly displayed more comfort and a rhythm on the floor with every passing rally in the fourth frame.

Outside hitter Tali Hakas also had five kills and seven digs in her return to the floor. The 5-foot-11 junior missed the majority of the 2025 season with a shoulder injury but appeared to be fully healthy and engaged in the action from the very first serve.

Chaminade was led by senior outside hitter Tabby Allen, who racked up six kills on 19 swings but dished out a match-high three service aces in the original three sets of action. In all, eight different platers registered kills for the Silverswords.

The Silverswords are set to officially start off the season on Thursday, August 20 in Hilo for the Hawaii-Alaska Challenge, a small tournament that features the University of Hawai’i-Hilo, Alaska Anchorage and No. 16 Alaska Fairbanks. First serve for Chaminade is scheduled for 1 p.m. HT and can be seen on the PacWest Network.

Hawai’i now turns attention to preparing for the 2026 Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic in 11 days, hosting Georgia Southern, San Diego and No. 21 Baylor from August 28-30 for a three-day round robin tournament to kick off the 2026 campaign. First serve against Georgia Southern is at 7 p.m. HT on August 28 inside the Stan Sheriff Center.

Kilminster’s 29 helps Hawaii Pacific push past Alaska Fairbanks

Kilminster’s 29 helps Hawaii Pacific push past Alaska Fairbanks

Nov 14, 2026

HONOLULU – Welcome back, Killa Kilminster. The Hawaii Pacific University men’s basketball team moved back above .500 on Friday night, using a 29-point explosion from fifth-year guard Evan Kilminster to cruise by Alaska Fairbanks on the first night...

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Blakeney’s complete game carries Hawaii Pacific to doubleheader sweep of Chaminade

Blakeney’s complete game carries Hawaii Pacific to doubleheader sweep of Chaminade

Apr 6, 2026

Blakeney’s complete game carries Hawaii Pacific to doubleheader sweep of Chaminade

LHP Nick Blakeney delivers a pitch during his complete game victory over Chaminade. | Photo Credit: Diego Rivera, Hawaii Media Source

WAIPAHU – Keehi boys keep building brick by brick.

Powered by true freshman LHP Nick Blakeney’s first career complete game, the Hawai’i Pacific University baseball team swept Monday’s doubleheader over cross island rival Chaminade with 6-2 and 15-3 victories in a pair of seven inning contests at Hans L’Orange Park in Waipahu.

LISTEN TO GAME 1 BROADCAST ON DEMAND

“I thought we executed the plan really well, both on the pitching side and on the offensive side,” said HPU head coach Dane Fujinaka after sweeping the twin bill. “Overall, those are the two cleanest games of baseball that we’ve played up to this point.”

Blakeney allowed just two runs (0 earned) in 7.0 innings of work, giving up two hits while walking one and striking out three Silverswords to pick up his first career college win for the Sharks.

The freshman southpaw got quick run support as HPU (17-15, 15-11 PacWest) plated three runs in the bottom of the second inning from an RBI single to left from SS Andrew Nykoluk and an RBI single to center by CF Noah Hata.

Blakeney returned the favor to his offense, sitting down the first 12 Chaminade batters that he faced. Senior DH Keanu Spencer added on an insurance run for the left-handed freshman starter in the bottom half of the fourth with a booming double off the wall that scored Tyler Arnold all the way from first base.

With a 4-0 lead in hand, Blakeney finally allowed one of the Silverswords to reach base as Cameron Breeze led off the top of the fifth with a single to right. The HPU starting pitcher quickly reverted back to form after losing his no-hit and perfect game bids, sitting down the next six batters in order to keep Chaminade scoreless.

After Nykoluk and LF Kan Taguchi led off the bottom half of the sixth inning with back-to-back singles, the Sharks tacked on two more runs to the lead to make it 6-0 heading into the top of the seventh after a pinch-hitting Blake Helsper and C Brock Wirthgen picked up an RBI walk and RBI sacrifice fly for HPU.

Blakeney returned in the seventh to close out the shortened game, running into a little trouble with a leadoff walk and passed ball putting a runner into scoring position before an error in right field allowed a pair of unearned runs to score. The freshman hurler settled despite giving up more action on the basepaths than he had all afternoon, getting the final two outs to push HPU over .500 overall for the first time since February 5.

Taguchi tallied a 3-for-4 day at the plate for the Sharks with three singles and a run scored from the leadoff spot. Nykoluk went 2-for-3 with a pair of runs scored and another run batted in from the nine-hole, giving HPU an extra leadoff batter at the bottom of the lineup.

3B Tyler Arnold added a perfect showing at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a pair of singles, two walks and a run scored while Hata collected a couple of runs batted in with his lone hit in three at-bats.

The story of the first game though was Blakeney, who started the season as a redshirt candidate according to Fujinaka. In need of extra arms and at risk of missing out on making the travel roster, Blakeney went to his head coach to try and get a chance on the mound to help the team back at the start of conference play.

First trying to get a chance at taking on teammates in live at-bats during practice, Blakeney badgered Fujinaka to put him on a practice schedule to compete against Sharks hitters. Once he got his opportunity, he didn’t waste it.

LHP Nick Blakeney walks off the mound after another scoreless inning against Chaminade. | Photo Credit: Diego Rivera, Hawaii Media Source

“We actually shut him down from pitching in the fall so he could focus on hitting,” Fujinaka revealed of his freshman two-way player from Liberty HS (NV). “He throws a live AB [in practice] … and like, dominant. Exactly what you saw today is what we saw in live ABs.”

After that, Fujinaka booked the freshman a flight and knew he could have another key arm ready to help the Sharks make a playoff push.

With a fresh bullpen for the second game, Fujinaka used six different pitchers to stymie the Chaminade offense while HPU plastered Swords RHP Brennen Panis (L, 1-4) for seven runs (7 ER) and chased the opposing starter after just two outs.

The Sharks added two more runs in the second and five more in the bottom half of the third inning, taking a commanding 12-run lead over the Silverswords after three frames. Both sides added one run each in the sixth inning but otherwise cruised to a calm result as HPU tattooed Chaminade, 15-3.

Ethan Murakoshi was the big hero in the second game for Hawaii Pacific, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with two runs scored and four runs batted in. The sophomore 1B smacked his third home run of the season in the bottom half of the third inning with a two-run shot to score Ziah Chang.

Rylen Bayne (2-0) picked up the victory for HPU in the second game, going 2.0 innings while allowing two runs (2 ER) on two hits and two walks, striking out a pair of the 10 batters he faced before handing it over to the rest of the bullpen.

Winners of five of the last six, Hawaii Pacific will hit the road this weekend for a critical California road trip with four-game sets against Biola (April 11-13) and Vanguard (April 16-18) coming up.

The Sharks will also play a quick three-game series against defending PacWest champion Westmont at a neutral site to make up for the March 13-17 series that was postponed in the islands due to weather.

“I think we just continue to get better every week, which is what our plan was from day one,” Fujinaka said ahead of his team’s stretch of 11 road games in 12 days. “We want to play our best baseball in April, which it’s April and I’m glad we’re playing really good baseball right now. We’ve just got to continue to get better.”

Kilminster’s 29 helps Hawaii Pacific push past Alaska Fairbanks

Kilminster’s 29 helps Hawaii Pacific push past Alaska Fairbanks

Nov 14, 2026

HONOLULU – Welcome back, Killa Kilminster. The Hawaii Pacific University men’s basketball team moved back above .500 on Friday night, using a 29-point explosion from fifth-year guard Evan Kilminster to cruise by Alaska Fairbanks on the first night...

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‘Iolani Rallies, Then Rolls Past Punahou 5-2 to Defend Division I State Crown

‘Iolani Rallies, Then Rolls Past Punahou 5-2 to Defend Division I State Crown

Feb 12, 2026

Soichi Amakata (22) battles with a Punahou defender to gain possession for ‘Iolani. | Photo Credit: Daniel Fujita, HSRN

‘Iolani Rallies, Then Rolls Past Punahou 5-2 to Defend Division I State Crown

BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 12, 2026

WAIPAHU – For the first time all season, ‘Iolani faced adversity.

For the rest of the night, the Raiders responded like champions.

After falling behind early, ‘Iolani erupted for five goals — including two from sophomore Chase Yamashita — to defeat Punahou 5-2 Wednesday night at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium before an estimated crowd of 850 fans. The victory secured the Raiders’ second straight Division I state title, third in four years, and 12th overall.

“It feels pretty amazing. It might be one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt my whole life,” Yamashita said. “Everyone on the team, they all want to win so from the bench players to the actual starters, they’re all supporting each other no matter what.”

Early Punch, Immediate Response

Punahou struck first in the 16th minute when Thompson Cheever found the back of the net, giving the Buffanblu a 1-0 advantage.

It marked the first time all season that ‘Iolani (13-0) had trailed in a match.

“We haven’t been down all season, but we knew that we’d be okay and we just had to fight through that adversity and trust each other,” said senior midfielder Devin Lee, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. “It was just one early mistake that we had, a miscommunication, but it just mattered how we bounced back and we were able to come up with a goal right afterwards.”

That equalizer came in the 22nd minute when Yamashita converted off a pass from Lucas Ginoza, sending the teams into halftime tied 1-1.

Second-Half Surge

‘Iolani wasted little time seizing control after the break.

In the 45th minute, Lee finished off an assist from Yamashita to give the Raiders their first lead of the night. From there, the floodgates opened.

Brody Awaya made it 3-1 in the 57th minute with a header off a corner kick from Lee. Just one minute later, Soichi Amakata extended the lead to 4-1.

Brady Lau pulled one back for Punahou in the 60th minute, but Yamashita answered two minutes later, finishing off a pass from Amakata to close the scoring at 5-2.

“Our team’s energy just got up and it started from the bench to the players and the players just had all this energy,” Yamashita said. “Once we got one goal, it just piled on over and over. I thought that was a great team effort by us.”

‘Iolani outshot Punahou 14-12 and held a decisive 10-4 edge in shots on goal, capitalizing on its chances while maintaining steady pressure throughout the second half. Braydon Obero-Ueno made two saves in goal for the Raiders, while Ethan Eagle recorded five saves for Punahou.

A Perfect Season

The championship capped a dominant 13-0 campaign

in which the Raiders outscored opponents 54-8 and won 11 of their 13 matches by two or more goals. They finished as the lone undefeated team statewide without a loss or a tie.

“It wasn’t as easy as it seems,” said longtime ‘Iolani coach Chris Lee. “You know, motivating them every day — because they knew that they could play at a very high level — that was part of the challenge, but to their credit, this group rose to the challenge every time it was asked to them and especially tonight against a Punahou team that has been improving throughout the course of the season.”

The title game marked the third meeting between the Interscholastic League of Honolulu rivals this season. ‘Iolani previously defeated Punahou 3-1 on Dec. 17 at Alexander Field and 4-0 on Jan. 21 at Kozuki Stadium.

“We knew that they weren’t going to give up. We knew that they were going to fight to the very end and fortunately our players took that to heart and knew that they had to play up to our standard and play the way, as a team, that we’re capable of playing in order to beat a really good Punahou team,” Lee said.

Punahou finished the season 11-4 and was seeking its 23rd overall state championship — its first since 2020.

But on this night, after an early scare, ‘Iolani proved once again why it stands atop Division I boys soccer — resilient, relentless, and undeniably dominant.

 

By the Numbers (from official stats sheet)

  • Final: ‘Iolani 5, Punahou 2

  • Shots: ‘Iolani 14, Punahou 12

  • Shots on Goal: ‘Iolani 10, Punahou 4

  • Goals: Yamashita (2), Lee, Awaya, Amakata

  • Assists: Ginoza, Yamashita, Lee, Amakata

  • Saves: Obero-Ueno 2; Eagle 5

Hele/HHSAA Boys Soccer State Championships All-Tournament Team
(As selected by the HHSAA and media)

 
Division I
Thompson Cheever, Punahou
Asa Hironaka, Iolani
Kimat Holcomb, Punahou
Kekama Kane, Iolani
Elijah Kuni, Mililani
Brady Lau, Punahou
Davian-Fox McElfresh, Kalani
Rylan Sergent, Mililani
Chase Yamashita, Iolani
Goalkeeper: Braydon Obrero-Ueno, Iolani
Most Outstanding Player: Devin Lee, Iolani

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Kapaʻa Claims Revenge, Shuts Out Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi 3-0 for Division II State Title

Kapaʻa Claims Revenge, Shuts Out Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi 3-0 for Division II State Title

Feb 12, 2026

Kapaʻa Claims Revenge, Shuts Out Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi 3-0 for Division II State Title

BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 12, 2026

WAIPAHU – Four days later than planned and one year removed from heartbreak, Kapaʻa made sure this ending was different.

Behind a dominant defensive effort and three second-half connections from its senior core, Kapaʻa defeated Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi 3-0 Wednesday afternoon at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium to capture the 2026 Hele/HHSAA Division II Boys Soccer State Championship. The Warriors finished the season unbeaten at 13-0-2 and secured the program’s fourth state title (2009, 2013, 2019, 2026).

It was a rematch of last year’s title game — a 1-0 loss that lingered all offseason.

“It means a lot,” said senior Omar Perez, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. “Coming back here is our revenge for last year because that was devastating. Now that we won this, it’s just beautiful and for my senior year.”

Setting the Tone Early

Originally scheduled for Saturday, the championship was pushed back four days due to weather. When kickoff finally arrived, Kapaʻa wasted little time asserting control.

Perez opened the scoring in the 19th minute, finishing with his left foot to give the Warriors a 1-0 advantage. From there, Kapaʻa leaned on its structure and discipline against a Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi squad that entered with 61 goals on the season, led by senior Micah Chung’s state-best 20.

“We knew we were up against the top goal scorer in the state, so the thought was if we could keep him out of the goal, there’s a good chance they’ll end up with a zero on the score sheet,” said Kapaʻa head coach Kevin Cram. “So we worked hard on defensive support, working together, and scrimmaging ourselves gave us the best opportunity to learn that standard.”

The plan worked. Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi managed just two shots on goal despite 16 total attempts, repeatedly turned away by a connected back line and goalkeeper Kiaʻāina Velasco.

Pulling Away After Halftime

Three minutes into the second half, Hunter Kerry doubled the lead.

Off a feed from Keoni Dasalia, Kerry struck cleanly to put Kapaʻa ahead 2-0.

“I think it just came to me and soon as it came off my foot I knew it was in,” Kerry said.

For Kerry, the moment was about more than just the goal.

“I’ve grown up with these boys, been with them, played club soccer with them. I love them to death,” he said.

Kapaʻa was outshot by Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi 14-16 overall but held a decisive 7-2 edge in shots on goal, capitalizing on its chances while limiting clean looks at the other end.

Perez helped seal it in the 65th minute, assisting Bear Miller for the final goal of the afternoon.

“Miller, that’s my boy. We’ve played together since we were five years old,” Perez said. “It just happens. I heard him yell for the ball and I didn’t even look back, just played it right to him.”

The chemistry was evident — a group that grew up together delivering on the biggest stage.

A Fitting Farewell

The victory served as a storybook sendoff for Cram, who has led Kapaʻa since 2005. The championship marked his fourth state title at the helm before he departs in April for an 18-month mission trip to Peru.

“I was hoping I would go out as a winner, and it feels good,” Cram said.

For Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi (11-2-2), the loss halted its bid for a fourth state championship in five years and fifth overall. But on this afternoon, Kapaʻa’s discipline, defensive execution, and senior leadership proved too much.

Four days late — and one year in the making — the Warriors left Waipio with redemption, hardware, and a championship that meant just a little more.

 

By the Numbers (from official stats sheet)

  • Final Score: Kapaʻa 3, Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi 0

  • Shots: Kapaʻa 14, KSH 16

  • Shots on Goal: Kapaʻa 7, KSH 2

  • Goals: Perez (19’), Kerry (43’), Miller (65’)

  • Assists: Dasalia (Kerry), Perez (Miller)

  • Saves: Velasco 2; Shayde Dela Cruz 4

Hele/HHSAA Boys Soccer State Championships All-Tournament Team
(As selected by the HHSAA and media)

 
Division II
Kepa Afalla-Constantino, Kapaa
Gabriel Arquitola, KS-Hawaii
Micah Chung, KS-Hawaii
Keoni Dasalia, Kapaa
Andrew Durocher, Kapaa
Kanoa Honda, KS-Hawaii
Hunter Kerry, Kapaa
Zach Montgomery, Hawaii Prep
Tanoa Muskat, KS-Hawaii
Goalkeeper: Kiaaina Velasco, Kapaa
Most Outstanding Player: Omar Perez, Kapaa

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HPU takes Battle for Oahu in overtime as Chaminade blows big second half lead

HPU takes Battle for Oahu in overtime as Chaminade blows big second half lead

Feb 8, 2026

HPU guard Josh Niusulu shoots a fadeaway jumper over a defender during the Sharks’ overtime victory against Chaminade. | Photo Credit: Daniel Fujita, HSRN

HPU takes Battle for Oahu in OT as Chaminade blows big 2nd half lead

BY PAUL BRECHT | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 8, 2026

PRINTABLE VERSION

HONOLULU – It ain’t over until Queen Lili’uokalani sings.

Down 17 points with under 15 minutes left in regulation, the Hawaii Pacific University men’s basketball team rallied inside McCabe Gymnasium on Saturday night to take down island-rival Chaminade (10-10, 8-6 PacWest) in overtime, 85-78.

HPU junior guard Quentin Meza paced all scorers with 19 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists, including the game-tying layup with seven seconds to play in regulation that sent the game to overtime. Joshua Niusulu added a season-high 17 points while pulling down six rebounds and collecting three steals in the comeback effort by the Sharks.

Hawaii Pacific got off to a strong start behind Meza and Niusulu, taking a 15-7 lead through eight minutes of action as the duo each took turns tormenting the Chaminade defense. Nate Sasser III provided a spark for the Silverswords off the bench, knocking down a pair of triples to help pull the hosts back within four as the clock ticked under 10 minutes left in the half.

Turnovers started to become an issue for the Sharks as the half wound down, committing five giveaways in four minutes to allow Chaminade to power ahead for the first time all day with 7:01 remaining until halftime.

“Credit them, they really brought it and challenged our toughness in the first half,” head coach Jesse Nakanishi said about the defensive pressure through the first half by Chaminade. “We turned it over regularly, and if you let Chaminade go in transition, they’re a really tough team.”

The high-pressure full court defense of the Silverswords continued to suffocate the Sharks as the first half dwindled down, extending the advantage for Chaminade to nine by the break after Sasser knocked down a pair of free throws to complete a 10-point first half by the reserve forward.

Chaminade kept the foot on the gas to begin the second half, scoring 11 of the first 14 points out of the locker room to take a 17-point lead with 15:27 left in regulation and force Jesse Nakanishi to look deep down the bench for answers after a couple of early timeouts.

Enter Nemanja Sarenac and Ike Sutton for a jolt of energy.

HPU freshman Ike Sutton drives to the rim against Chaminade. | Photo Credit: Daniel Fujita, HSRN

Sarenac got the party started by hitting back-to-back 3-pointers before Sutton drained a fallaway triple as the shot clock ticked down, injecting life into an otherwise lifeless HPU team teetering on being swept by their PacWest island rival.

Niusulu hit a soft turnaround jumper to pull the Sharks back within single digits with 11:20 remaining and followed it up with a quick layup that forced Chaminade head coach Eric Bovaird to call a timeout of his own as the Silverswords started to melt defensively.

The stoppage slowed the momentum of HPU for a moment, but Sarenac’s third 3-pointer of the second half made it a five-point game with 8:27 to play and re-sparked the scorching hot shooting of the Sharks.

HPU tried to put the finishing touches on the comeback a few minutes later as Meza tied it with a running layup and Niusulu gave the visitors a 65-62 lead after splitting a pair of free throws and muscling in another layup, but Chaminade refused to let go as Nathan Medina knotted it back up with a tough bucket and Kent King finished through traffic with 23 seconds left to play to put the Silverswords ahead by a pair.

Without a timeout to draw up a look, HPU turned to Quentin Meza and watched as the 6-foot guard sprinted down the lane and softly kissed the ball off the window to tie the game at 69 with seven seconds remaining. Medina was able to get a final look off before the buzzer sounded in regulation but fired off the mark as the clock struck zeroes.

HPU guard Quentin Meza drives to the rim during regulation against Chaminade. | Photo Credit: Daniel Fujita, HSRN

The battle continued into overtime as the teams traded more daggers from deep, seeing the Sharks take a 77-76 lead midway through the extra period with Sarenac’s fourth make from distance going along with a Joshua West triple that countered 3-pointers from Chaminade’s RJ Banks and Kent King.

Quinton McCullough and Meza provided a pair of tough finishes in the paint to give the Sharks some breathing room in the final minute before Joshua Niusulu drained four straight free throws to wrap up the comeback win for HPU, 85-78.

Joshua West finished with 14 points and five rebounds for the Sharks, playing just 29 of the 45 minutes as he dealt with foul woes throughout the majority of the night. Nemanja Sarenac added 12 points (4-for-7 3PT) and six rebounds off the bench before fouling out for the first time this season.

HPU celebrates after coming back from 17 down on the road to defeat Chaminade in overtime. | Photo Credit: Daniel Fujita, HSRN

Kent King paced the Silverswords in the loss, securing a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double to go with three steals and a pair of blocks before fouling out in overtime. Nathan Medina chipped in 14 points but was held to 5-of-21 shooting (3-of-15 3PT) by the stingy Sharks defense.

HPU (15-6, 11-5 PacWest) took a steady hold of second place in the conference standings, sitting 1.5 games behind Point Loma with six games left in the regular season. The Sharks will host Point Loma next Thursday, February 12 inside the Shark Tank for the first of two meetings down the stretch between the PacWest heavyweights.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. HT following the women’s basketball matchup. Both games can be heard on Hawaii Sports Radio Network (95.1 FM / AM 760 / hawaiisportsradio.com) or can be listed to on demand wherever you get most podcasts.

Kilminster’s 29 helps Hawaii Pacific push past Alaska Fairbanks

Kilminster’s 29 helps Hawaii Pacific push past Alaska Fairbanks

Nov 14, 2026

HONOLULU – Welcome back, Killa Kilminster. The Hawaii Pacific University men’s basketball team moved back above .500 on Friday night, using a 29-point explosion from fifth-year guard Evan Kilminster to cruise by Alaska Fairbanks on the first night...

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Tanabe Leads the Way as HPU Tops Chaminade, 64–52

Tanabe Leads the Way as HPU Tops Chaminade, 64–52

Feb 7, 2026

HPU guard Kyra Tanabe led all scores with 26 points against Chaminade on February 7, 2026 | Photo by Michael Lasquero

Tanabe Leads the Way as HPU Tops Chaminade, 64–52

BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 7, 2026

HONOLULU – Hawai‘i Pacific University used a strong second quarter and balanced scoring to pull away from Chaminade, earning a 64–52 PacWest victory Saturday afternoon at McCabe Gym.

After a tight opening period, HPU created separation with a 20–10 run in the second quarter, turning defensive pressure into transition points and heading into halftime with a 32–21 advantage.

The Sharks maintained control throughout the second half, answering every Chaminade push with timely shooting and steady execution.

HPU shot 33.3 percent from the field and knocked down nine three-pointers, while forcing turnovers that led to 31 points off miscues. Chaminade closed the gap briefly in the fourth quarter, but the Sharks responded with perimeter shots and free throws to secure the win.

The victory improves Hawai‘i Pacific to 7–15 overall and 6–10 in PacWest play, while Chaminade fell to 0–18 on the season.

Top Performers

Hawai‘i Pacific

Kyra Tanabe
Tanabe led all scorers with a game-high 26 points, shooting 9-for-17 from the field and 4-for-7 from three-point range. She set the offensive tone early and delivered timely buckets whenever momentum was needed.

Lucia Ricci
Ricci turned in a strong double-double performance with 14 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, providing stability on the glass and consistent scoring throughout the game.

Jalen Samuel
Samuel sparked the Sharks off the bench with 13 points, knocking down three triples and stretching the floor during key stretches of the second half.

Chaminade

Holly Dolny
Dolny paced the Silverswords with 15 points, connecting on three three-pointers and attacking in transition to keep Chaminade within reach.

Alyssa Schuetze
Schuetze added 12 points and 13 rebounds, controlling the paint and anchoring Chaminade’s interior presence on both ends of the floor.

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