Middles lead way as Women's Volleyball defeats Hawaii Pacific

HONOLULU, Hawaii - The American International College women's volleyball team took down Hawaii Pacific University 25-19, 16-25, 25-19, 25-20 for the team's first win of the 2023 season.

AIC is now 1-2 on the campaign.

The Yellow Jackets jumped to a quick 3-0 lead, and then had a consistent set from there, holding the Sharks to just two three-point runs. Rookie Janelys Perez Cortes scored three of the 14 kills for the Yellow Jackets in the set victory.

In the second, both teams struggled, ultimately recording the lowest attack percentage either would score for the match. The host Sharks were able to take the set to tie the score 1-1 as a result.

AIC picked itself up in the third set, and Perez Cortes was at the forefront of it again, with six kills and two blocks. Aleksandra Ivanovic also notched four points, including the final kill of the set.

In the fourth, the Yellow Jackets roared to a 10-1 lead and had a 17-5 advantage thanks to strong play all around. The Sharks tried to rally, closing the gap somewhat, but the deficit was too great and the Yellow Jackets took the match.

Amber Williams led the offense with 10 kills and four blocks, while Ivanovic added seven kills and three blocks and Perez Cortes notched eight. Alice di Francesco put up 30 assists to go with a trio of kills and 12 digs, and Perla Rosa led the defense with 19 digs. 

The team finishes its Hawaii trip at 1:00 a.m. Eastern on Sunday, September 3 against Chaminade University.