HILO, Hawai'i – The Hawai'i Hilo women's basketball team opened its 2022-23 campaign with a valiant effort in a 72-61 loss to Montana State University Billings Sunday afternoon at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
MSUB maintained the lead for the majority of the contest as the Vulcans constantly fought to stay within striking distance but just couldn't quite close in to catch the Yellowjackets.
Mandi Kawaha led Hawai'i Hilo with 23 points as freshman Keirstyn Agonias chipped in 19 points off the bench on 8-of-10 shooting with seven rebounds.
The Vulcans created opportunities late by forcing six fourth-quarter takeaways but could only convert on two of them for points.
After shooting 3 of 5 from long range in the first half, the Vulcans couldn't hit the rest of the way, going 0 for 6. They also made 11 trips alone to the charity stripe in the second quarter (shooting 72.8 percent) but only made it back twice in the remaining 20 minutes.
The Yellowjackets initially pulled away midway through the first half with a 13-point lead, but Hawai'i Hilo scrambled for a 10-2 run between the end and beginning of halves to make it a close back-and-forth affair before MSUB pulled away again toward the end of the third period.
Opening-day starters were Mandi Kawaha, Mindy Kawaha, Jenna Waki, Bree Olson and Kamalu Kamakawiwo'ole.
What's Next
Hawai'i Hilo fell to 0-1 overall while Montana State Billings improved to 3-0 with wins over all three Hawai'i schools.
The Vulcans will be back in action next weekend with a two-game slate against Multnomah University Friday and Saturday night at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. Both games will tip off at 6 p.m.
The Yellowjackets will head back to Montana for their home opener Saturday, Nov. 19 against Minot State.
