OAKLAND, Calif. – Tying in digs and separated by just five kills and two assists, Academy of Art volleyball and UH Hilo were relatively even in Wednesday's Pacific West Conference matchup, but a strong hitting percentage wound up pushing the Vulcans to their 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-17) victory inside Holy Names' Tobin Gymnasium.

Junior outside hitter Isaura Santos, senior middle blocker/opposite Sadie Emery, and freshman outside hitter Ashley Mecham were all involved in a strong start by the ART U offense as their kills helped the contest begin 6-6. Though the Urban Knights went up 7-6, a subsequent 4-0 run proved to be the most significant turn of the opening set. A kill by Mecham and an Emery service ace bookended three straight points from Academy of Art to bring them within two at 21-19, but UH Hilo closed out the frame on top 25-21.

Von Kraut kills accounted for three of the Knights' eight points in an 8-8 tie that started the third frame, but again a 9-2 run created separation for the Vulcans en route to a 17-10 lead. One of Academy of Art's best stretches then followed as Emery and redshirt junior Celena Davison each sent down kills then senior libero Catharina Brant Bambirra delivered a service ace during a 5-1 surge back into the contest. Five of the final six points would go the Vulcans' way thereafter as the 25-17 final ended the pairing in three sets.

On the season, ART U moves to 4-9 overall and 1-4 in its PacWest matchups. Santos posted a 12-kill, 12-dig double-double, her fourth of the year, Von Kraut was next in line with eight kills, and Mecham contributed seven. Junior setter Picabo Reinhold collected 31 assists and Torres led all competitors with 16 digs.

With the win, UH Hilo climbs to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play. Two Vulcans reached double figures in kills, Bria Beale (12) and Alexandria Parisian (10), while Kendall Kott added 31 assists.

The Urban Knights host their third consecutive PacWest Hawaii opponent with Hawaii Pacific coming to Belmont this Saturday, Oct. 2 for a 2 p.m. first serve. Fans will be permitted at this and all future matches at Walter Gleason Gym this year.