HILO, Hawai'i – An 8-0 Warriors run midway through the second quarter provided all the cushion necessary as the Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball team dropped its Pacific West Conference season opener to newcomer Westmont, 68-58, Monday evening at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
The end of the first period saw the Vulcans hold a one-point lead, but the Warriors came out in the second quarter to outscore Hawai'i Hilo, 9-2, before going on their 8-0 run a few minutes later to make it a 31-19 score. The Vulcans got six quick points before the end of the half to make it an eight-point deficit once again, but the Warriors managed to maintain their advantage the rest of the way.
The Vulcans had the lowest number of turnovers this season with 14 while forcing the Warriors to commit a season-high 24. Still, Hawai'i Hilo made just two shots from beyond the arc after 18 total attempts.
Kamalu Kamakawiwoole led the Vulcans with 17 points as Kaile Cruz followed with 15.
UP NEXT
Hawai'i Hilo moved to an 0-1 PacWest record (2-3 overall) while Westmont moved to 2-1 in the conference (5-4 overall).
The Vulcans will be back in action Wednesday, Dec. 6 taking on Fresno Pacific in another doubleheader.
The Big Island Holiday Classic returns for another year, Dec. 15-19, at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. Hawai'i Hilo will take on Angelo State (Dec. 16) and Bridgewater State (Dec. 17). More information is available at HiloAthletics.com/BIC.
SEASON TICKETS
Single-game and season tickets are now available to be purchased online through Hawai'i Hilo Vulcans Athletics' recently launched online ticket platform in partnership with AudienceView Campus.
The 2023-24 slate will feature 28 total home contests at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium with a package price of $130 for adults and $65 for seniors (ages 65-plus) and middle/high school students.
Both can be accessed at HiloAthletics.com/tickets.
VIDEO STREAM PACKAGES
The Hawai'i Hilo Men's Basketball team will have 14 home games available to be viewed online through our video stream broadcasts in partnership with Out of the Sea Media Arts Inc.
Single-game viewing will be priced at $10 with a season-package offering of $105.
More information is available at HiloAthletics.com/LiveStream.
