AZUSA, Calif.-- The UH Hilo women's basketball team fell short to the PacWest Conference's undefeated Azusa Pacific in a 79-57 loss in the Felix Event Center. 
 
The Vulcans are now 7-3 overall and 4-2 in the PacWest Conference, while the Cougars improve 12-1 and 8-0 in the league. 
 
After two scoreless minutes to begin the first quarter, Azusa Pacific ran away with a 9-0 lead. Vulcan head coach David Kaneshiro then called a strategic timeout where the Vulcans regrouped and got as close as 15-14 before APU's Laura Pranger hit a trey that rounded out the first quarter, UHH down 18-14. 
 
The Cougars showcased a strong defensive front, blocking five Vulcan shots in the first quarter.
 
APU broke away 28-17 in the second quarter, and the Vulcans responded with two back-to-back steals. Jenna Waki made a layup off the first steal which made UHH a basket closer in their pursuit to close in on the Cougars 35-24 lead.
 
A three-pointer by senior Sara Shimizu left UH Hilo as close as 38-27 before halftime. 
 
The Cougars went off offensively in the third quarter taking their largest lead yet 56-32. APU's Kayla Shaw sunk in two three-point baskets helping her team extend their lead. 
 
The Vulcans began the fourth chasing the Cougars 60-38. The Red and Black were able to cash in on buckets here and there, but ultimately were unable to surpass the extensive lead the Cougars accumulated. 
 
Vulcan Leaders… POINTS: Jenna Waki 13; REBOUNDS: Nikki Miller 9; ASSISTS: Waki/Mindy Kawaha 3; BLOCKS: Bree Olson/Noelle Sua-Godinet 1; STEALS: Heaven Samayoa-Mathis 3. 
 
Scoreless Possessions… The Cougars played excellent defense in their home gym. They blocked 9 Vulcan shots which played a big role in UHH's 15 turnovers. However, the Cougars weren't far behind the Vulcans in that category, just one turnover shy of UH Hilo. There were a grand total of 29 turnovers this afternoon with both teams tallying nine steals each. 

Up Next… The Vulcans will continue their Southern California road trip with a rematch against Concordia Irvine. This game is scheduled for Monday. Jan. 24 at 3pm in the CU Arena. There will be no general admission spectators allowed for this game, but watch links will be available on hiloathletics.com.