SAN RAFAEL, California – The Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball team had its five-game win streak ended Monday evening with a 65-46 defeat to Dominican in Pacific West Conference play at the Conlan Center.
The Penguins managed to start hot and never let up as they finished shooting 50 percent from the field (25-50 FG) and from beyond the arc (8-16 3PT) — both the second-highest percentages posted by an opponent this season.
Hawai'i Hilo took care of the ball with season second bests of 12 takeaways and just 10 turnovers committed, but the Vulcans just couldn't find the bottom of the basket as they shot just .316 from the field. The Vulcans' 12 steals was the highest tallied against Dominican this season with the Penguins committing a season-high 19 turnovers.
Jazmine Soto posted a season-high 15 points with a game-best four steals.
The two teams previously met in Hilo on Jan. 11 with the Penguins winning, 51-39.
SOMEWHERE ATOP THE RECORD BOOKS
Just under one minute into the contest, Kamalu Kamakwiwoole became the Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball all-time program leader with her 59th career block. Kamakawiwoole entered the game tied with Allie Navarette (17-20) and finished the evening with three shot stoppers.
The O'ahu native totaled 32 blocks last season to set the program's single-season record. Currently, she sits at 29 for 2023-24 with three games to go in the regular season.
UP NEXT
Hawai'i Hilo moved to an 11-12 overall record (8-9 PacWest) while Dominican moved to 11-6 in conference play (18-7 overall).
The Vulcans continue on the road against Fresno Pacific (Feb. 22) and Westmont (Feb. 24) before returning for one last home contest against HPU on March 2 for Senior Night.
PATH TO PACWEST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The top six teams at the end of the regular season will make it to San Diego for the 2023-24 PacWest Conference Tournament set for March 7-9 at Point Loma's Golden Gymnasium.
Hawai'i Hilo is still just on the bubble at No. 7, one game behind Biola. Dominican is tied for No. 3 with Point Loma.
Azusa Pacific remains at the top with an unbeaten record, having already clinched the conference regular-season title.
