Box Score
EDMONTON, Alberta – The University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team finished in second place at the Can-Am Challenge of Champions tournament after falling to host Alberta, 14-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-14 Saturday at Alberta's Main Gym.
The Warriors finished the tournament with a 3-1 record having defeated Guelph, Calgary, and Manitoba in the round-robin format.
Both teams entered the match undefeated and the Warriors jumped all over the Golden Bears in the first set. The next two sets were tight but each time Alberta surged ahead 24-21 before Hawai'i rallied to within one at 24-23. Alberta's Simon Lindster finished off the second set while Mitch Irvine gave the Golden Bears a 2-1 advantage to end the third set.
Opposite
Jonas Umlauft led the way again for the Warriors with 18 kills and for his efforts was selected to the all-tournament team.
Josh Walker had 15 kills but hit only 11.8 percent. Setter
Nejc Zemljak was also selected to the all-tourney team and recorded 47 assists, 12 digs, and two service aces.
Freshman
Shane Welch had a nice outing with seven kills in nine attempts and team-high five blocks.
Spencer Leiske had 14 kills for Alberta. Setter Tanner Nault was named the tournament Most Valuable Player.
Last season, UH split a two-match exhibition series against Alberta in Honolulu. The Golden Bears took the opening match, 35-33, 30-26, 30-23, while the Warriors rebounded to win the rematch, 30-24, 37-35, 30-28.
Hawai'i returns to the islands to conclude fall camp. The 2011 season opens with the 17th Outrigger Invitational, Jan. 13-15 at the Stan Sheriff Center.
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