The University of Hawaii at Hilo opened their 2010 campaign with butterflies in their bellies as St. Martin's College took the 78-61 NCAA Division West Region game in Lacey, Wash.

“It was basically first game jitters,” said UHH Head Coach Jeff Law. “We hung tough with them and played some good defense. We just missed a lot of short shots and free throws.”

Andrew Gipson led the Vulcans (0-1) with 12 points while Justin Smith added 10 points and eight rebounds. Zach Wilde also added eight rebounds.

The Vulcans trailed 34-27 at the half and started to make a run but staying consistent on the court proved to be the challenge.

“We cut it down to 3 or 4 in the second half and they got it up and things just started getting bigger and bigger,” said Law. “We had spots where everybody, not just one or two guys, had something they had to work on. “