News Summary
In a tough semifinal match of the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors were defeated by the UCLA Bruins. Despite a strong effort from Hawaii’s players, UCLA dominated the game, winning in three straight sets. This match marks the end of a successful season for Hawaii, who finished with an impressive record. Looking ahead, the team will regroup and aim for better results in the next season, as several key players are expected to return.
Columbus, Ohio – The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors faced a tough defeat against the UCLA Bruins in the semifinals of the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship on May 10, 2025. The third-seeded Bruins dominated the match at the Covelli Center, sweeping Hawaii in three straight sets with scores of 25-14, 25-23, and 25-23, ultimately ending Hawaii’s season.
UCLA’s strong performance was highlighted by Sean Kelly, who led the team with 13 kills, while Zach Rama contributed 10 kills to the victory. The Bruins outperformed Hawaii in several key statistics, achieving a hitting percentage of .370 compared to Hawaii’s .188, 11 blocks versus Hawaii’s 4, 34 digs to 22, and 6 service aces, while Hawaii managed only 3.
With this loss, Hawaii’s season concluded with a record of 27-6, tying for the third-most wins in the program’s history. Coach Charlie Wade expressed pride in the team’s growth and accomplishments despite the elimination from the tournament.
Match Highlights
In the game, Adrien Roure led the Rainbow Warriors with 12 kills and added two aces. This loss was particularly significant as it marked the first match during the season where Hawaii was held under a .200 hitting percentage. Hawaii tried three different lineups throughout the match in an effort to counter UCLA’s gameplay.
Context of the Season
This semifinal match marked the end of Hawaii’s impressive run, during which the team had advanced to the NCAA semifinals four consecutive times from 2019 to 2023 and secured two national championships during that period. The defeat against UCLA was especially poignant for Hawaii, as the team has yet to defeat the Bruins in NCAA Tournament play, now holding an all-time postseason record of 1-9 against them.
The Rainbow Warriors were greeted with strong support from fans upon their return to the Stan Sheriff Center after the loss. The match against UCLA drew an attendance of 3,342, further showcasing the passionate fan base Hawaii has developed over the years. Kurt Nusterer, a middle blocker for Hawaii, noted the integral role of fan support in the program’s success. Eleu Choy, a senior libero, also acknowledged the unwavering support regardless of the match outcome.
Looking Ahead
Following the defeat, several key players are expected to return next season, including Tread Rosenthal, a setter, and Louis Sakanoko, a hitter, both of whom will be juniors. Their continued eligibility and experience could benefit Hawaii in future competitions. Hawaii also navigated injury challenges throughout the season, impacting their performance leading up to the tournament.
As the UCLA Bruins advance to face Long Beach State, the top seed, in the national final on May 12, Hawaii will look to regroup and build on their experiences from this season as they prepare for the next. Despite the setback, the Rainbow Warriors are committed to continuing their legacy in NCAA men’s volleyball and striving for future success.
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Additional Resources
- Star Advertiser: UCLA Ends Rainbow Warriors Season
- Hawaii Athletics: Men’s Volleyball Unveils New Jersey
- Hawaii News Now: UH Men’s Volleyball Advances
- Spectrum Local News: Hawaii Men’s Volleyball NCAA Loss
- Hawaii News Now: Play Like It’s Your Last Game
- Wikipedia: NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship
- Google Search: Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Volleyball
- Google Scholar: Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Volleyball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- Google News: UCLA Men’s Volleyball
