Hawaii Warriors Stun No. 5 Foe in Epic 5-Set Semifinal Upset

HONOLULU — The No. 5 University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors men's volleyball team defied the odds in the NCAA semifinals, outlasting a top-ranked national opponent in a thrilling five-set marathon at the Stan Sheriff Center. Set scores mirrored classic UH intensity: 25-21, 26-24, 23-25, 21-25, 15-12, propelling the Warriors to the finals and improving their record to a dominant 20-4 overall. This victory echoed Hawaii's storied legacy, building on their first national title since vacating the 2002 crown, won in straight sets over UC Santa Barbara and BYU in 2021.

Controversy fueled the drama as officials issued a yellow and red card against Hawaii in the fifth set, testing the home crowd's fervor inside the 10,000-seat Stan Sheriff Center on Oahu. Yet the Warriors, riding an 18-match win streak over UC Santa Barbara dating back years, refused to fold. Key performer Dimitar Titriyski, fresh off slamming 13 kills to end a decade-long 'Pyramid Curse' with a 26-24, 23-25, 25-19, 20-25, 15-12 upset over No. 2 Long Beach State in March, anchored the semifinal surge.

UH's path to the semis showcased Big West prowess, snapping a 10-match road win streak only briefly at No. 13 UC San Diego (21-25, 25-16, 20-25, 18-25) before rebounding for title contention. As Honolulu faithful pack the Sheriff Center for the finals, the Warriors carry aloha spirit and unfinished business from past glories. A championship would cement Hawaii's place among college volleyball elite.