Seawolves dig deep, capture AK/HI Challenge title with 4-set win over Hilo

Anchorage (Aug. 30) - Junior outside hitter Lee Ivakina had 13 kills and 12 digs to lead another balanced attack for the UAA volleyball team Saturday, helping the hosts to a 26-24, 21-25, 25-21, 25-19 victory over Hawaii Hilo in the Alaska/Hawaii Challenge, presented by Alaska Airlines.

Senior libero Madison Galloway had 19 digs and fellow all-tourney selection Tia Allen had nine kills and 12 digs as the Seawolves (4-0) claimed the tournament title.

The Vulcans (1-2) got match highs 16 kills and 23 digs from all-tourney pick Malu Garcia, along with 16 digs from libero LC Nakagawa.

"I think we showed how deep of a team we are this weekend, and our depth really paid off again today with another win," said UAA's Stacie Meisner, who is off to the best start in three seasons as head coach. "This is an exciting way to start the year, and we hope to keep improving and keep it rolling with three more tough matches next week."

UAA won an ultracompetitive opening set behind five kills from freshman rightside hitter Bailee Tucker and four kills from Ivakina. After nine ties and two lead changes, the Seawolves finally took the lead for good on a kill by Ivakina to make it 25-24, and the Bulgarian finished it off with an ace.

The visitors from the Pacific West Conference held UAA to .083 hitting in the second set to tie the match, but could not sustain their momentum.

Freshman setter Johana Malikova sparked UAA in the final two frames with 22 assists and six digs, while freshman rightside hitter Emma Beck entered for an injured Tucker and collected five kills and three total blocks, including a big solo stuff in the fourth set.

Ivakina hit a solid .278 and had three total blocks, while middle blockers Martina Riba and Bella Burney combined for 11 kills. Tucker finished with seven kills in just one and half sets, and Burney collected a team-best four total blocks.

UAA returns to the Alaska Airlines Center Sept. 4-6 for the Seawolf Invitational, starting Thursday at 7 p.m. against Biola. Find tickets and live links at GoSeawolves.com.