HPU blanks Grand Canyon in West Region opener 5-0; Sea Warriors head to Florida

Courtesy of HPU Sports Information

WAIPAHU, HI – In the opening match of the postseason, Hawai‘i Pacific won the West Regional 5-0 over Grand Canyon University.

HPU cruised in the match; every Sea Warrior was up a set when the match was stopped.

The win puts HPU back in the national championships for the fifth straight year.

The seventh-ranked doubles team of Zora Vlckova and Celina Goetti won easily 8-2 at first doubles. At third doubles, Sandra Wikstrom and Carrie Shuler played near perfect late to win 8-3, the match had been tied at three. Aleksandra Stankovic and Ielyzaveta Rybakova gutted out an 8-5 victory at third doubles.

In singles play HPU needed just two victories to clinch the match. With HPU leading all six matches, it became a race to finish.

The 34th ranked Goetti made short work of Stephanie Halderman winning 6-1, 6-0 at third singles. Vlckova's 6-2, 6-2 win at first singles sealed the match.  

HPU is now 18-5 and ranked fifth in the country, the team now travels to Altamonte Springs, FL for the championships May 11-14th.