HILO, Hawai'i – Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball rallied late in the game but ultimately fell short to Menlo, 56-53, Saturday evening in Pacific West Conference at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Facing a 15-point deficit with single-digit minutes left in the game, the Vulcans got the scoring going with five consecutive baskets for a 12-0 run and Caiyle Kaupu added a three-point play to make it just a one-point differential. Both teams combined to go 1 of 6 from the field in the final four minutes with the lone basket courtesy Kaupu to go against four free throws made by the Oaks. Menlo also missed six additional attempts from the charity stripe to keep Hawai'i Hilo within striking distance, but the Vulcans just couldn't quite land the ball through to even the score.

Kaupu recorded her first career double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds. 

Keirstyn Agonias finished with double-digit scoring figures to bring her career total to 651 points, moving past Hillary Hurley ('11-'12) to No. 8 all-time in the Vulcans record books.

Hawai'i Hilo moved to 2-10 in PacWest play (4-14 overall) as Menlo moved to a 7-6 conference record (11-9 overall).

The Vulcans moved to No. 13 in the PacWest standings. Azusa Pacific and Point Loma stand at the top with 12-2 conference records as Menlo is slotted in at No. 6.

UP NEXT: Thursday, Feb. 6 (5:30 PM) vs Fresno Pacific (Hilo, Hawai'i / Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium)

DE LUZ CHEVROLET HALFTIME CONTEST GIVEAWAY: De Luz Chevrolet is giving four Vulcans fans a chance to win a new 2024 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss courtesy De Luz Chevrolet. During halftime of both the Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball and Men's Basketball season finales on March 1 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, four selected participants will have the opportunity to shoot their way to a brand new truck. SIgn-ups are only available in person at each of the next Vulcans Basketball home doubleheaders (Feb. 1, 6, 10 and 13). Each person is allowed one entry per game date. Selected participants will be notified between Feb. 17-26 and must be available to attend on March 1. More details, rules and information available at HiloAthletics.com/truck.

PEPSI HAWAI'I: Mahalo to Pepsi Hawai'i for supporting Hawai'i Hilo Athletics and sponsoring Saturday's Vulcans Basketball doubleheader. Attending UH Hilo students were treated to a free Pepsi drink and pizza slice while four lucky contestants competed for a Pepsi-branded surfboard during halftime of the men's basketball nightcap.