Internal focus remains for red-hot Hawai’i ahead of first Wyoming trip in 30 years

Internal focus remains for red-hot Hawai’i ahead of first Wyoming trip in 30 years

Oct 14, 2026

Internal focus remains for red-hot Hawai’i ahead of first Wyoming trip in 30 years

Photo Credit: Riley Guillermo, HSRN

HONOLULU – The effects of elevation can take some people by surprise.

Look no further than the reaction to the University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team, who have already eclipsed their win total from a year ago after a pair of sweeps over San Jose State last weekend and currently sit above their predicted preseason finish by a pretty margin.

With help from a few other results in a crazy weekend of women’s volleyball, the Rainbow Wahine now stand alone atop the Mountain West Conference with a 14-3 overall record and flawless 6-0 mark since league play began at the end of September. All six of those victories have come in consecutive frames, the longest streak of set wins in a row for UH since the 2016 team recorded eight straight sweeps and 25 consecutive set victories.

People have started to take notice as more and more fans fill the seats inside Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center for home matches. Hawai’i also continues to elevate higher within the national scope, checking in at 39th in the second NCAA Women’s Volleyball RPI rankings that came out on Monday – the highest mark in the Mountain West by nearly 70 spots.

Despite the growing noise and attention surrounding them ahead of the team’s first trip to Laramie since November 1996, the Rainbow Wahine remain focused on following the process that put them atop the conference totem pole to begin with.

“We have numbers and we have benchmarks that we’re going after, that we’re training for, regardless of who’s on the other side of the net,” first-year head coach Joshua Walker responded about the team’s continued hunger for success. “We’re not close to those numbers. Now defensively, we’ve done obviously pretty good. There’s some other parts of our game that’ve been pretty consistent and good, but as far as where we want to go and how good we want to get, we’re not there yet.”

Hawai’i entered the week as the best team in the Mountain West and the fourth-best unit nationally in limiting opponent hitting percentage (.141) and have held the other side’s hitting below .200 in 11 consecutive matches.

They’ll be tested again this weekend against Wyoming, who was picked just ahead of Hawai’i for fourth place in the Mountain West preseason poll and wield a weapon in senior outside hitter Paige Lauterwasser.

A two-time All-Mountain West honoree and 2026 preseason all-conference pick, Lauterwasser eclipsed the 1,000-kill mark for her career in the final weekend of September against UTEP and ranks among the top 10 players in the Mountain West in kills per set (3.05 in conference play).

The Cowgirls also enjoy home court advantage with familiarity playing at the 7,220-foot elevation. It’s something that Walker and the Rainbow Wahine have focused on preparing for.

“We know there’s altitude, we know the air is going to be drier, we know it’s going to be colder so we’re going to do things to make sure that we’re prepared for that environment,” Walker said ahead of his team’s trip to the highest elevation they’ll play at all year. “We can’t make too much out of it because in the end, you still have got to go out there and play volleyball.”

The status of junior outside hitter Tali Hakas will be up in the air for the Rainbow Wahine after she missed both matches against San Jose State with an injury to her lower left leg. Walker referred to her status as “day-to-day” ahead of the weekend while also noting that the ultra-competitive Hakas has been pushing to return as quick as possible.

Thankfully for Hawai’i, depth has been more than ready to dive headfirst into game action when called upon. Sophomore Maëli Cormier is coming off of her best weekend with the Rainbow Wahine, hitting .593 with 18 kills and two total attack errors across two matches against SJSU.

Fellow sophomore Cha’lei Reid also looks fully healthy again after missing eight matches with a shoulder injury earlier in the campaign. The lone preseason All-Mountain West selection for Hawai’i, Reid had herself a nice pair of outings against the Spartans, leading UH in kills on both nights while she moved herself into second place on the squad by upping her attack average to 2.83 kills per set so far this season.

“In our locker room, our quote is ‘it’s all mental’ so I think going to a different altitude, different place, different scenery and environment … nothing really gets in our way if we just really put our mind to it,” Reid said.

With or without Hakas, against altitude or not, Hawai’i remains focused on themselves first. It’s worked out for Walker and the Rainbow Wahine so far – and everyone knows the famous phrase.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Preparation and practice has been key for UH through a flawless beginning against Mountain West competition. There’s no reason to change the combination now.

Miles away in North Dakota, Rapozo still keeps Kauai in his heart

Miles away in North Dakota, Rapozo still keeps Kauai in his heart

Oct 27, 2026

VALLEY CITY, N.D. — Thousands of miles from home, Christopher Rapozo carries Kaua‘i with him every time he steps onto the football field. The Valley City State University junior has made the journey from Kapa‘a to North Dakota, where he has earned a starting role as...

Hawai’i sweeps UNLV again to extend win streak to 10 straight

Hawai’i sweeps UNLV again to extend win streak to 10 straight

Oct 25, 2026

HONOLULU – Somehow a night that started with the national anthem and Hawai’i Pono’i being played on the electric guitar only got more rocking as time went on. After assistant coach Will McDonald shredded to start the night, the University of...

2026 OIA Football Playoff Schedule

2026 OIA Football Playoff Schedule

Oct 25, 2026

 2026 OIA Playoff Schedule Open Division First Round Results Friday, October 23: Campbell 42, Leilehua 7 (LISTEN ON DEMAND) Saturday, October 24: Kahuku 36, Kailua 0   Thursday, October 29 Division II Semifinals Final: Castle 13, Kalaheo 31...

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Hawai’i take to road trying to continue strong conference start

Hawai’i take to road trying to continue strong conference start

Oct 13, 2026

Hawai’i take to road trying to continue strong conference start

Hawai’i women’s soccer celebrates after a goal during a home match. | Photo Credit: Stacy Sur, HSRN

HONOLULU – Get the fire extinguisher, the ‘Bows are blazing through the schedule again.

More than midway through the 2026 campaign, the University of Hawai’i women’s soccer team has pieced together a pair of three-game win streaks and stands tied for second place in the Mountain West with a month left in the regular season.

Battling through the challenges of a new conference, fresh travel routines and all the regular craziness of being a collegiate student-athlete, the Rainbow Wahine have taken off to another level through the team’s first 11 matches. Hawai’i hadn’t put together multiple win streaks of three or more games in a single season since 2007 – when the program won the WAC regular season and tournament titles.

The recipe for that success?

Continuity, correct choices from the portal and overall cohesive play.

Hawai’i saw 17 of the 19 players with eligibility remaining after last season come back to the islands for the 2026 campaign and added four players out of the transfer portal. Chip in seven freshmen that all have raised the competitive bar, and you’ve got a Rainbow Wahine squad that’s already passed last season’s win total with six games to play.

“I think to see all the seeds that we planted actually starting to grow and flourish and come to fruition, it’s been just especially rewarding for us as a staff,” head coach Michele “Bud” Nagamine told the media ahead of the team’s upcoming two-game road trip to California. “We’ve talked about these things and these situations and scenarios for so long.”

Of the eight different players that have scored goals for the Rainbow Wahine, four were on the team last year. The leading goal scorer for Hawai’i, Anuhea Aluli, came home in the transfer portal after spending the past few seasons at Oakland. The other three goal scorers are part of the freshman class that’s already made an immediate impact as if they came from the portal themselves.

The previous year presented challenges of all kinds for Hawai’i. From waiting for young players to develop with game action to waiting on others to recover from serious injuries, 2025 was a campaign of character growth as much as athletic progress for the Rainbow Wahine.

“There was almost a different group playing all the time, a different lineup, different starters,” Nagamine said regarding the past year’s team. “I think settling into the leadership that we have from our upperclassmen and that continuity and that predictability, so to speak, has been really good for the players and they’ve kind of just got into a groove.”

That groove has been aided by the uptick in goal scoring – Hawai’i has 21 goals in 11 matches this year versus 19 total goals in 20 matches last season – but it’s been hard to ignore the defense of the “No Goal Patrol” Rainbow Wahine.

After giving up the second-most goals per match in the conference during their final year in the Big West, Hawai’i has been among the stingiest defenses in the Mountain West this season with 0.91 goals allowed per game and six clean sheets.

The continued maturation of goalkeeper Kennedy Justin has spearheaded the effort as the junior has comfortably taken over the full-time starting job in the net. In 2025, Justin split goalkeeping duties and only saw four matches where she played the entire 90 minutes in the cage for the Rainbow Wahine.

“Kennedy has really just evolved and developed into a really good leader,” Nagamine said about her keeper. “I think she’s got that opportunity to really show what she can do because she is clearly our starting goalkeeper, and she just takes care of everybody … I think she brings the group together really nicely.”

Justin has started all 11 matches so far this season for Hawai’i, only exiting her post during the Rainbow Wahine’s 7-0 blowout victory against Hawaii Pacific University to provide some play time for freshman keeper Cora Bryant and senior transfer Izzy Palmatier.

 “To get the number of shutouts that we have this year is really an indication of the unity and the togetherness of our back line and our goalkeeper,” Nagamine said.

One of those shutouts kicked off the first three-game win streak for the Rainbow Wahine, blanking one of the Big Sky preseason favorites Idaho for the team’s first victory of the 2026 season. It sparked a four-match unbeaten run (three wins, one draw) to wrap up non-conference play.

Another came on the road against preseason Mountain West favorite Air Force to close out September, igniting the team’s current three-game win streak in which they’ve outscored opponents by a 7-1 margin. Hawai’i is still the only team that has kept Air Force out of the net for an entire match all season.

Nagamine, Justin and the rest of the Rainbow Wahine will look to keep that stretch of stingy defense going when they hit the road this week for a pair of matches in California.

San Jose State will be up first on Thursday, matching up with Hawai’i for the first time since 2011. After the clash with the Spartans, the Rainbow Wahine will head to much more familiar territory as the road trip wraps at UC Davis, who also moved from the Big West into the Mountain West ahead of the 2026 season.

“There is a lot to be said for that familiarity,” Nagamine admitted ahead of the road trip. “I think the familiarity of the trip is going to be really good for us. Yes, we have not played San Jose State [in a really long time], but I’m excited and I think the team is excited.”

Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

Oct 19, 2026

 HONOLULU – Host a block party, reap the rewards after. University of Hawai’i middle blocker Miliana Sylvester was named the Old Trapper Mountain West Women’s Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week on Monday morning after posting 22 total...

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Win streak hits six as Hawai’i swiftly sweeps San Jose State

Win streak hits six as Hawai’i swiftly sweeps San Jose State

Oct 10, 2026

Win streak hits six as Hawai’i swiftly sweeps San Jose State

Hawai’i setter Adrianna Arquette triggers the attack during a home match for the Rainbow Wahine. | Photo Credit: Riley Guillermo, HSRN

HONOLULU – Someone tell Joshua Walker to keep his dancing shoes handy.

The University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team continued a perfect start to conference play on Saturday night, slicing through San Jose State (6-10, 1-5 Mountain West) in straight sets inside Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, (25-20, 25-13, 25-13).

It marked the sixth sweep in a row for the Rainbow Wahine, who held the Spartans to a season-low -0.033 hitting percentage as a group. It’s the program’s longest stretch of consecutive sweeps since 2016, when Hawai’i had eight straight wins by way of the minimum number of sets.

OH Cha’lei Reid led the way for the Rainbow Wahine for the second straight night, finishing as the lone player on either team with double-digit kills with 11 across 33 swings. MB Miliana Sylvester tailed closely behind with nine putdowns and a match-high five blocks.

San Jose State provided their best punch in the night’s opening frame as Hawai’i helped hurt themselves with nine attack errors, but it still wasn’t enough for the Spartans to take a set off the conference-leading Rainbow Wahine as the hosts hung on for a 25-20 victory in the first stanza.

The “Mānoa Roofing Company” came to work in the second set as Hawai’i handed out five blocks as a team in a dominant 25-13 decision, holding SJSU’s attack to a match-low -.172 while more than doubling their own hitting efficiency from the night’s debut frame.

Hawai’i (14-3, 6-0 Mountain West) made quick work of the visiting Spartans in the night’s final frame, hitting .414 and committing only two attack errors on the way to another 25-13 set victory and the sixth straight sweep to begin conference play.

Sophomore OH/OPP Maëli Cormier, who started in place of the injured Tali Hakas for the second straight night, tacked on eight kills on 12 attempts in the victory as she hit above .500 in a match for the fourth time this season.

Senior OH Panna Ratkai chipped in seven kills and a team-leading 12 digs for Hawai’i while junior S Adrianna Arquette dished out 30 assists to go along with eight digs, two kills and two of the team’s seven service aces.

Learden Lee paced the Spartans in the loss as the junior middle blocker racked up seven kills on 16 error-free swings while adding three total blocks. Sophomore OH Morgan Graves, who entered the weekend as SJSU’s leader in kills, was held in check again as she finished the evening with more attack errors (5) than total putdowns (3).

It was the 10th sweep of the season for UH, doubling last year’s total of five straight-set victories and surpassing the 2024 team’s eight matches ending in three-set wins with more than half of the conference schedule still to go.

Hawai’i holds a two-game lead over UC Davis and New Mexico for the top spot in the Mountain West after three weeks of conference competition and will try to keep the good times rolling when they hit the road next Thursday, visiting Wyoming for a two-match series in the elevation.

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Arizona State rolls along as Hawai’i road rally falls short

Arizona State rolls along as Hawai’i road rally falls short

Oct 10, 2026

Arizona State rolls along as Hawai’i road rally falls short

The seeds of competence were there.

The University of Hawai’i football team traveled to Tempe, took an early lead for the first time in a month and slowly unraveled afterwards on the way to a 30-12 loss to Arizona State (3-2) on Saturday night.

Sophomore QB Micah Alejado had an up-and-down evening for the Rainbow Warriors, completing 25-of-49 pass attempts for 252 yards, one touchdown and one interception while seeing his receivers drop a handful of his throws throughout a rainy night in the desert.

WR Kai Kai Carvalho led all pass catchers for Hawai’i (1-5) as the redshirt freshman hauled in seven receptions for 86 yards in the loss. Fellow redshirt freshman receiver Titan Lacaden chipped in seven catches of his own while racking up 43 yards in the aerial attack.

Devin Alves continued his breakout for UH with another deep catch to start the night, grabbing 47 of his 60 total yards on the first play of the game to eventually set up a 44-yard field goal from Sean Olvera-Harle and give a 3-0 advantage to the visitors less than 90 seconds into the action. It marked the first lead of any kind for the Rainbow Warriors since September 12 against New Mexico State.

Arizona State returned fire on their own opening drive, using an 18-yard TD reception from WR Reed Harris to cap off a 10-play, 79-yard scoring march that gave a 7-3 lead to the hosts midway through the first quarter.

DB Makana Meyer, who was sprung into a starting role for the Rainbow Warriors with usual starting safety Matagi Thompson held out due to injury, gave the visitors a spark with a partial punt block that set up the UH offense at the ASU 27-yard line as the opening frame wound down.

But the Rainbow Warriors’ red zone woes reared their ugly head again after working the ball all the way down to the 2-yard line.

A false start on 1st-and-Goal was followed by a sack of Alejado, which was followed by a delay of game penalty to make 2nd-and-Goal start back at Arizona State’s 21-yard line.

An incomplete pass preceded another sack of Alejado, pushing Hawai’i back to the 33-yard line on 4th-and-Goal. Olvera-Harle trotted out for a 51-yard field goal try after the set of downs began at the 2-yard line and sent the kick wide right, leading to no points off the blocked punt for UH.

Arizona State quickly countered a scoring drive of their own, pushing the lead out to double digits with just under 10 minutes left in the first half as true freshman RB Cardae Mack recorded his first career TD run from a yard out.

Hawai’i worked back down the field to add another 30-yard field goal from Olvera-Harle before the half, but ASU countered with a field goal of their own as Carson Smith connected on a season-long 47-yard kick to send the Sun Devils into the locker room leading by 11.

The UH defense provided another life preserver for the anemic offense throughout the majority of the third quarter, forcing a pair of punts and allowing no points after the Alejado interception, but got no more help in the frame in the form of points.

Mack finally broke the dam with a 67-yard scoring scamper that opened up a 24-6 lead for the Sun Devils with just under a minute left in the third quarter.

Audric Harris and Alejado connected for a 32-yard score at the start of the fourth quarter to provide a brief heartbeat back to the Rainbow Warriors. The defense got the ball back again for Hawai’i with more than 10 minutes remaining in regulation, but a drive that got to the doorstep of the red zone ended with a turnover-on-downs for the visitors two minutes later.

The Sun Devils drove the dagger through the hearts of Hawai’i hopefuls on the next drive, draining the clock down to the two-minute timeout before Reed grabbed his second TD catch of the night to cap off a 30-12 victory.

Arizona State totaled 420 yards of offense on the night, 231 of which came on the ground as true freshman RB Cardae Mack celebrated his birthday with a career-high 154 yards and two touchdowns across 13 carries.

QB Cutter Boley completed 68% of his passes for 189 yards and a pair of scores through the air while chipping in 40 yards rushing in the victory for the Sun Devils. WR Reed Harris snagged eight of his nine targets for 91 yards and both touchdowns for the hosts, continuing a standout season that’s gotten his name added to the Biletnikoff Award watch list.

Hawai’i will try to bounce back next weekend as a gauntlet stretch of games continues with Mountain West leader New Mexico visiting the islands. Arizona State will travel to take on Texas Tech next weekend, looking to piece together consecutive wins for the first time this season.

HAWAI’I FOOTBALL COVERAGE ON HSRN IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

Oct 19, 2026

 HONOLULU – Host a block party, reap the rewards after. University of Hawai’i middle blocker Miliana Sylvester was named the Old Trapper Mountain West Women’s Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week on Monday morning after posting 22 total...

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Bertani’s First Career Goal Sparks Hawai‘i to 3-0 Shutout of Nevada

Bertani’s First Career Goal Sparks Hawai‘i to 3-0 Shutout of Nevada

Oct 8, 2026

Bertani’s First Career Goal Sparks Hawai‘i to 3-0 Shutout of Nevada

Hawai‘i defender Piper Bertani (17) tracks the ball during the Rainbow Wahine’s 3-0 victory over Nevada on Oct 7, 2026. | Photo Credit: Stacy Sur, Special to HSRN

Junior defender Piper Bertani scored her first collegiate goal, sparking the University of Hawai‘i women’s soccer team to a 3-0 shutout victory over Nevada on Wednesday afternoon at the UH Lower Campus Field.

The Rainbow Wahine (5-4-1, 2-1 Mountain West) dominated possession and offensive opportunities, outshooting the Wolf Pack (3-9-1, 0-3-1 MW) 23-4 while earning 16 corner kicks to Nevada’s one.

Despite controlling much of the opening half, Hawai‘i struggled to break through until Bertani delivered in the final minute before halftime.

Off a corner kick from Tatum Porter, Bertani’s header found the back of the net in the 45th minute (44:22), giving the Rainbow Wahine a 1-0 advantage heading into the break. The goal was not only the first of her collegiate career but also proved to be the game-winner.

Hawaii defender Piper Bertani celebrates with head coach Michele Nagamine after scoring her first goal in her collegiate career against Nevada on Oct 7, 2026. | Photo Credit: Stacy Sur, Special to HSRN

“It was super exciting. I’ve been waiting for three years to score, so it was a good feeling, especially when we needed that goal,” Bertani said.

Hawai‘i head coach Michele Nagamine credited the team’s preparation on set pieces and Bertani’s consistent presence in the air.

“Piper has been an aerial presence for us all season long, and Coach Daniel Saucedo has worked just tirelessly to really kind of fine-tune our set pieces,” Nagamine said. “Everything came together at the right time.”

The late first-half breakthrough gave Hawai‘i momentum heading into the second half, where the Rainbow Wahine continued to apply pressure.

Freshman Olivia Dianda doubled the lead in the 67th minute (66:15), scoring her third goal of the season off an assist from Rori Gartner.

Nagamine praised Dianda’s ability to create scoring opportunities with her footwork and change of pace.

“She has this uncanny ability to just go at people. She gets the defender unbalanced, and then she’s off in the other direction, and that left foot is wicked,” Nagamine said.

Defender Laule‘a Ah Mook Sang added the finishing touch in the 84th minute (83:34), finding the back of the net off a corner kick delivered by Gartner. It marked Ah Mook Sang’s first goal of the season and Gartner’s second assist of the afternoon.

The defensive unit also delivered another strong performance, limiting Nevada to just four shots as goalkeeper Kennedy Justin made two saves to secure Hawai‘i’s sixth shutout of the season and second consecutive clean sheet in conference play.

Nagamine praised what she calls the “no goal patrol,” noting that the defense contributed on both ends of the field.

“I was just really happy that our defense that has been so strong for us all year long actually contributed on the other side of the ball as well today,” Nagamine said. “Another shout-out for Kennedy and her crew. The no goal patrol is rolling strong, and they helped us get on the board too.”

Bertani credited the team’s chemistry and defensive preparation for the result.

“What we worked on this whole week off, all we did was one-V-one defending and working together as a unit, so I think it showed today, getting another shutout,” Bertani said. “We just have a great connection between each other.”

The victory marked Hawai‘i’s second straight Mountain West win following its 2-0 road victory over Air Force. The Rainbow Wahine improved to 2-1 in conference play, with both wins coming by shutout.

“I feel like our conference standings are all over the place right now, so the three points is huge for us,” Bertani said.

Up Next: Hawai‘i returns to the UH Lower Campus Field on Sunday to host UTEP at 3 p.m., looking to build on its momentum and extend its winning streak to three matches.

PHOTOS BY STACY SUR

Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

Oct 19, 2026

 HONOLULU – Host a block party, reap the rewards after. University of Hawai’i middle blocker Miliana Sylvester was named the Old Trapper Mountain West Women’s Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week on Monday morning after posting 22 total...

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Hawai‘i Heads to Arizona State as Both Teams Look to Rebound From Frustrating Losses

Hawai‘i Heads to Arizona State as Both Teams Look to Rebound From Frustrating Losses

Oct 8, 2026

Hawai‘i Heads to Arizona State as Both Teams Look to Rebound From Frustrating Losses

Hawai‘i heads back on the road Saturday for its first meeting with Arizona State in nearly two decades, with both programs looking to put disappointing performances behind them.

The Rainbow Warriors (1-4, 0-3 Mountain West) will face the Sun Devils (2-2, 1-1 Big 12) at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Hawai‘i time, with national television coverage on FS1.

Hawai‘i is coming off a 20-16 home loss to San José State, its third consecutive defeat, while Arizona State looks to regroup following a 55-19 loss to Baylor that exposed significant defensive issues and offensive inconsistencies.

For Hawai‘i head coach Timmy Chang, the focus remains on how his team responds to adversity.

“Tough losses and tough times,” Chang said during Tuesday’s media availability. “Dig down deep, character check, doing all the right things, being the right person.”

Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Moving the Ball Isn’t Enough

Hawai‘i’s offensive struggles have been particularly frustrating because the Rainbow Warriors have demonstrated an ability to move the football without consistently turning those opportunities into points.

Against San José State, UH produced a season-high 438 total yards and outgained the Spartans by 114 yards, but managed only 16 points. The Warriors committed two turnovers and converted just one of two red-zone opportunities.

Sophomore quarterback Micah Alejado completed 23-of-35 passes for 341 yards, his second 300-yard performance of the season. He leads the Mountain West with 272.2 passing yards per game and has thrown for 1,361 yards through five contests.

Despite that production, Hawai‘i is averaging just 17.6 points per game, with four passing touchdowns on the season.

One encouraging development was the emergence of senior receiver Devin Alves, who caught three passes for 121 yards against the Spartans, including a 58-yard touchdown.

Chang praised Alves’ confidence and development, particularly his willingness to attack the middle of the field and make plays after the catch.

“Love to see the growth of Dev, and we’re gonna need it,” Chang said.

The Warriors have also struggled to establish a consistent running game, averaging just 86 yards per contest. That imbalance has placed additional pressure on Alejado and an offensive line that has undergone several personnel changes.

Chang said the coaching staff remains committed to its approach, emphasizing fundamentals and execution rather than wholesale changes.

“We’re just gonna stay with the process as it is,” Chang said. “We’ll just get better at diving in deeper and coaching better and getting our guys to execute.”

Hawai‘i wide receiver Devin Alves (center) celebrates with teammates following his 58-yard touchdown reception against San José State on Oct. 3, 2026. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Arizona State Looking to Fix Defensive Breakdowns

Arizona State enters Saturday’s matchup facing questions of its own following Baylor’s 564-yard offensive performance.

The Bears rushed for 244 yards, converted nine of 15 third downs and scored 55 points against a Sun Devil defense that had previously shown considerable strength.

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham acknowledged that defensive communication and missed assignments played major roles in the loss.

“We just weren’t on the same page,” Dillingham said during Monday’s press conference, explaining that Baylor’s formations and adjustments created confusion over coverage responsibilities.

Dillingham took responsibility for the breakdowns, stressing that the coaching staff must better prepare players to recognize and respond to different offensive looks.

The performance could present opportunities for Alejado and Hawai‘i’s passing attack, particularly if the Warriors can capitalize on defensive miscommunications and generate explosive plays.

However, Arizona State’s defense is still allowing just 201 passing yards per game, and the Sun Devils will be looking to reestablish the physicality that has characterized the program under Dillingham.

Baylor RB Caden Knighten scores a 75-yard touchdown against Arizona State in the 55-19 Bears win on October 3, 2026 | Screenshot courtesy of ESPN/Big XII Studios

Sun Devils Bring Size and Offensive Firepower

Arizona State averages 421.8 yards and 33.3 points per game, led by quarterback Cutter Boley and a receiving corps capable of creating significant yardage after the catch.

Boley threw for 304 yards in the loss to Baylor, while receiver Reed Harris finished with seven catches for 125 yards. Despite producing 409 total yards, the Sun Devils scored only one touchdown and settled for four field goals.

Dillingham pointed to missed scoring opportunities as another area requiring improvement, noting that Arizona State repeatedly advanced deep into Baylor territory without finishing drives.

That struggle mirrors Hawai‘i’s recent offensive difficulties, making red-zone execution an important factor for both teams Saturday.

Arizona State also holds a notable size advantage along its offensive front. The Sun Devils’ most recent starting offensive line averages approximately 320 pounds, compared with roughly 270 pounds across Hawai‘i’s four-man defensive line.

The Warriors will need to overcome that physical difference with disciplined run fits, effective tackling and pressure on Boley.

Hawai‘i enters the matchup allowing 384.6 total yards per game, including 158.2 on the ground.

Hawai’i defensive line gets ready to line up against San Jose State on October 3, 2026
Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Turnovers and Execution Could Decide the Outcome

Protecting the football figures to be another critical factor.

Arizona State committed three turnovers against Baylor, while Hawai‘i has struggled to overcome giveaways throughout the season.

Since the beginning of 2025, the Rainbow Warriors are 10-2 when winning or tying the turnover battle and 0-6 when losing it.

For a Hawai‘i offense still searching for consistency in the red zone, creating takeaways and favorable field position could be essential against a Sun Devil team with greater offensive production.

Saturday also presents an opportunity for both programs to demonstrate improvement after difficult stretches.

Chang acknowledged that Hawai‘i’s youth and inexperience have contributed to its growing pains. Fifteen Rainbow Warriors have made their first career collegiate starts this season, the third-highest total nationally.

Still, the fifth-year head coach emphasized that development must happen during the season rather than becoming a discussion about the future.

“There’s still a lot of season,” Chang said. “We’re always in the moment.”

A Return to Tempe After Nearly Seven Decades

Saturday marks the eighth meeting between Hawai‘i and Arizona State and the first since the 2006 Sheraton Hawai‘i Bowl.

The Sun Devils lead the all-time series 5-2, although Hawai‘i has won the last two meetings, including a 41-24 victory in 2006 behind Colt Brennan’s 559 passing yards and five touchdowns.

It will also be Hawai‘i’s first appearance in Tempe since 1958.

The Rainbow Warriors are seeking their first true road victory against a power-conference opponent since defeating California in Berkeley in 1994.

To end that drought, Hawai‘i will need to turn its offensive production into touchdowns while limiting the explosive plays and physical advantages of an Arizona State team eager to respond to one of its most disappointing performances of the season.

Hawai‘i at Arizona State
Saturday, Oct 10, 4:30 p.m. HST
Mountain America Stadium | Tempe, AZ
TV: FS1

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Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

Oct 19, 2026

 HONOLULU – Host a block party, reap the rewards after. University of Hawai’i middle blocker Miliana Sylvester was named the Old Trapper Mountain West Women’s Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week on Monday morning after posting 22 total...

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