FRESNO, California – Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball rallied back from a double-digit deficit and took the lead with seconds to go, but Fresno Pacific managed to get the last bucket in as the Vulcans fell, 53-52, Monday afternoon in Pacific West Conference play at the Special Events Center.

Playing the second of a four-game road trip to open the new calendar year, the Vulcans chased 10 points heading into the final 10 minutes of action against the Sunbirds. FPU opened the quarter going 1 of 9 from the field as the Vulcans chipped away to make it a 46-44 deficit with just over four minutes to go.

With time winding down, KeanuMarie Huihui drew a shooting foul on a three-point attempt and converted on all three free throws (7 total points) to bring it back to a two-point game in the final minute. FPU's Mason Long missed on both of her attempts at the free throw line and Mindy Kawaha converted on the other end with a three-point splash to give the Vulcans a one-point lead with single-digit ticks left of the clock.

However, the Sunbirds managed to get an inbounded inside basket to re-take the lead as the Vulcans' final last-second attempt clanked off the rim at the buzzer.

GAME NOTES

• Mindy Kawaha: 12 Points, 4 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 1 Block, 1 Steal
• Tavina Harris: 8 Points, 13 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Block
• Noelle Su'a-Godinet: 8 Points (4-6 FG), 4 Rebounds, 2 Blocks
• Kaile Cruz (7 Points) hit two 3-pointers to bring her career total to 83, moving into a tie with Krystlelyn Omlan (2006-2008) at No. 7 in the program record books.
• Hawai'i Hilo: 4-6 Overall (2-3 PacWest)
  • Preseason Coaches Poll No. 11
• Fresno Pacific: 5-6 Overall (2-4 PacWest)
  • Preseason Coaches Poll No. 7

UP NEXT

• Thursday, Jan. 8 (3:30 PM) vs Dominican (San Rafael, CA)
• Saturday, Jan. 10 (10 AM) vs Menlo (Atherton, CA)
• Thursday, Jan. 15 (5 PM) vs Dominican (Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium)

PACWEST PRESEASON POLL

Hawai'i Hilo was voted No. 11 in the Pacific West Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. The Vulcans finished the 2024-25 regular season tied at No. 10 in the conference standings. The 2025-26 PacWest Championships will be hosted by PLNU on March 5-7 in San Diego.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Season and individual tickets for the Vulcans' 13 home matches at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium are available for purchase at HiloAthletics.com/tickets. Season tickets are $135 ($70 for seniors 65+ and middle/high school students) and also includes admission to an additional 16 Vulcans Men's Basketball home events.

BUY LIVESTREAM PACKAGE

Video livestreaming will be available for all home events this season through the PacWest Network, powered by Hudl TV. More information is available at HiloAthletics.com/livestream. Single-game passes are offered at $15 with a season-package price of $146.25.