Hawaii picks up first Euro win 5-0 over Nova KBM Branik

Hawaii defeats the Maribor club team Nova KBM Branik 25-17, 25-21, 25-23, 25-18, 15-11. They had an impressive comeback in Set 3, got down 9-1, tied it at 17 and it was tied all the way through 22. Tough serving by Magill made it 24-22 and Taylor put down the kill to end it 25-23.

Now the reality. Maribor team was missing 5 players who are with the Slovenian senior national team and will play France in France Saturday.
The setter, who was very good, is only 15. Last two sets players were mostly the Youth Team for the club, which is 16-and-under.

Still, the Wahine needed this one. They were able to pass well, ran the middles a lot.

Manu-Olevao contines to play very well. Higgins had to set all five sets.
Wahine went with the same lineup for first 2 sets: Higgins, Kahakai, Manu-Olevao, Magill, Maglio, Greeley, Taylor with Anderson coming in as late sub.

Set 3 the sub was Huff for Manu-Olevao,Anderson was the libero for most of Set 5. Adolpho and Long both started in Set 4.

Former Warrior basketball player Ales Zivanovic (played during the AC-Alika era) came to watch the match and is coming to dinner. former Warrior setter Nejc Zemljak supposed to join us at dinner.

It will be another long day. Team went into Maribor town this morning, came back to Dras training center for lunch, dressed, had meeting, serve and pass then the match.

Dinner tonight supposed to be fairly fancy at a old farm with a vineyard. Just one of 50 vineyards in the area. Players have been asked to dress up as much as they can. Food is supposed to be regional cuisine. Will let you know when we come back.

Nasvidenje. (goodbye) for now.