HONOLULU, Hawai'i – Nearly a month after both teams met up in Hilo for their season opener, the Sharks once again managed to get the best of the Vulcans as Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball fell to HPU, 59-50, in the first Pacific West Conference action of the season Friday afternoon at The Shark Tank.

The score was kept close through much of the opening half of play until HPU managed to pull just an inch further away after outscoring Hawai'i Hilo, 6-1, all on free throws in the final minutes. After the break, the Sharks opened up their lead to double digits and managed as large of a lead as 19 points at the 6:38 mark.

The Vulcans found a late surge and finished with a 17-7 scoring spurt on 7-of-12 shooting, but it would only be enough to cut the final deficit to just single digits.

In the final tally, Hawai'i Hilo went 16 of 26 (.615) at the free throw line while HPU shot 15 for 21 (.714). In the season-opening matchup, the Sharks managed to snipe the Vulcans with 11 3-pointers (.478) but only hit on six outside shots Friday evening. Hawai'i Hilo was 2 of 11 (.182) from beyond the arc.

Hawai'i Hilo moved to an 0-1 PacWest record (1-3 overall) as HPU moved to 1-0 in conference play (3-2 overall).

OTHER NOTES

• Vulcans Leading Scorers: KeanuMarie Huihui (15 points), Keirstyn Agonias (11 points), Caiyle Kaupu (11 points)
• HPU totaled 22 points off the bench from six of its eight reserves who saw action. Hawai'i Hilo had just three players in rotation available off the bench.

UP NEXT: Sunday, Dec. 8 (2 PM) vs Chaminade (Honolulu, Hawai'i (O'ahu) / McCabe Gymnasium)

PACWEST HAWAI'I CHALLENGE: At the close of the recent fall season, Hawai'i Hilo and Chaminade were tied for the lead with nine points as HPU trails behind with seven. More information and breakdown of scoring is available at HiloAthletics.com/PWCHI.

SEASON TICKETS: Season tickets for 31 total Vulcans Basketball home events are now available. Online purchase available at HiloAthletics.com/Tickets.

VIDEO LIVESTREAM: Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball video livestream packages are now available for purchase online through the recently-launched PacWest Network, powered by Hudl TV. The 2024-25 season includes 17 total home broadcasts for $191.25. Prorated prices are available up until the midway point of the season. More information at HiloAthletics.com/livestream.