LAIE, Hawaii – The Humboldt State (1-0) volleyball team opened the season with a win for the third time in Head Coach Kelly Wood's three-year tenure. The Lumberjacks, playing the first of four matches in Hawaii, defeated the Sharks of Hawaii Pacific (0-1) 3-1 (25-23, 18-25, 25-14, 25-15) on Thursday afternoon.
 
Following a back-and-forth opening set and dropping the second set, HSU came out of the break with some extra firepower. The Green and Gold outscored the Sharks 50-29 in the final two sets. The Jacks closed the third with seven unanswered points.
 
"Our team started the match with the nerves to be expected in the first match of the season," said Wood. "After the second game, we really settled in and started playing with a very good rhythm. Our ball control improved, and we beat a team that was bigger than us in every position. Our intelligence showed today as well as our huge heart. I'm proud of the team effort. Everyone contributed to this victory."
 
Several individuals led the Jacks throughout the match. Senior Kaitlyn Dunaway was one of four on HSU to reach double-digit kills. Dunaway's 16 kills led all players, and were followed closely by teammates Symone Hayden (15) and Nicole Bewley (13).
 
Alex Hasenstab recorded six blocks to lead the way in the match, and Jessica Lammers' 25 assists and Haley Biles' 18 digs were both HSU highs.
 
The Lumberjacks will have a quick turnaround following the match. Humboldt State will have a true road test as BYU Hawaii hosts HSU on national television. The game is set to begin at 10:30 p.m. on the West Coast and will be broadcast on BYU TV.