Box score https://hawaiiathletics.com/sports/mens-volleyball/stats/2021/csun/boxscore/26396
All-American opposite Rado Parapunov put down 17 kills and No. 1 Hawai’i clinched at least a share of the Big West regular-season men’s volleyball title with a 25-17, 25-20, 23-25, 25-19 victory over CSUN today in Northridge, Calif.
Parapunov has had 10 or more kills in all 12 matches this season, 18 straight dating back to last year, and 66 for his career. He is now tied with Pono Ma’a for 11th on UH’s all-time kill list with 1,177.
Outside hitter Colton Cowell, who missed last Saturday’s match with Long Beach State due to an ankle injury, added 13 kills for the Warriors (12-0, 7-0) against the unranked Matadors (1-6, 1-6).
The teams meet again Saturday (1 p.m. HST) in the Warriors’ final regular-season road contest. A win Saturday gives Hawai’i the outright conference title, its first since 1980.
“Someone brought that up that the program hasn’t won (a regular-season) title in a while,” Warriors coach Charlie Wade said. “We did win (the Big West) tournament title in ’19 but not regular season.
“It’s an accomplishment for the program.”
Hawai’i also clinched the top seed in the Big West tournament that will be played at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center April 22-24. The Warriors extended their school record to 14 straight road wins.
For CSUN, middle Daniel Wetter had 16 kills and hitter Maciej Ptaszynski 10.
“Wetter is a good a middle that there is in the country,” Wade said. “I had CSUN in my poll early. That’s a good team, with good players.”
Hawai’i, the top blocking team in the country, finished with a 14-8.5 edge in stuffs. Middle Patrick Gasman, the national leader in blocks, was in on five, adding two aces and nine kills with just on hitting error. Middle Guilherme Voss had a match-high eight blocks and a perfect night when putting down all seven of his swings without and error.
The Warriors were on the verge of a sweep when leading Set 3 16-12. The Matadors went on a 6-0 run, helped by four consecutive hitting errors by Hawai’i, to take the lead for good at 18-16.
Hawai’i had nine hitting errors in Set 3 but none in Set 4.
It was the first time all season that the Warriors had dropped a Set 3.
The last time Hawai’i played at CSUN, the Warriors were swept twice. It was one of the reasons cited for the Warriors not receiving an at-large spot in the 2018 NCAA Tournament.
Hawai’i was supposed to open Big West play at CSUN in March 2020 but those matches, as well as the rest of the season, were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think everyone is very appreciative about being able to play this season,” Wade said.
The Warriors ht .429 for the night to the Matadors’ .221. Hawai’i won the dig war with Parapunov finishing with a match-high eight, and Cowell and libero Gage Worsley six each.
Shouldn’t Cowell rest up for the Big West championship and NCAA tournament?
What about giving others a chance to play if there is so much depth on the team?
Cowell was cleared to play. They wanted to clinch top seed. They did that tonight. They have depth but they can only take 13 on road.
As some might say, this isn’t AYSO. but agree that maybe after tonight they give Chakas more playing time. Is that who you are suggesting replace Cowell? At this point they would like to keep the momentum.
Travel roster has Opp Parapunov MBs Gasman, Voss, Rosenfeld. OHs Cowell, Galloway, Chakas. S Thelle, Sheward. L Worsley.
Akana has been a serving sub. That’s 11. I think Humler OH made trip.
Yes, understand travel roster restrictions.
Chakas, esp.
was just asking who you would have replaced Cowell with given he limitations Priority was winning this match, and earning top seed in tournament If your No. 2 kill leader and best passer behind your libero is ready to go then why “rest” him