Aloha, Rainbow Warriors fans—the celebration is officially on! The University of Hawaii men's volleyball team has done it again, clinching their third NCAA title in a thrilling championship match that had fans across the islands on the edge of their seats. And for some, like Craig Hirasaki, the victory might just have a little bit of luck attached to it—from over 2,500 miles away.
Hirasaki arrived a bit late to Murphy's Bar & Grill in downtown Honolulu, missing part of the first set as the Warriors stumbled early. But once he settled in with the crowd, the energy shifted. After dropping that opening set 25-15 to UC Irvine, Hawaii roared back to win the next three in dominant fashion. "Hey, if that's what it takes, OK," Hirasaki laughed, cheering louder than anyone. "I'm just glad they came back to win it. They had a lot to overcome this season."
His friends, including Peter Castillo and Kurt Osaki, were quick to joke about the timing—but also quick to credit the team's resilience. "We knew it from the beginning of the season," Castillo said. "We told the players, 'You're gonna win it all this year.'" For Castillo, a UH alum and self-proclaimed "head chicken" of Huli-Huli Chicken Company, this title is extra sweet. "Sweeter every time," he added. "As a fan and alum, it gets better every time."
This championship marks the Warriors' third NCAA crown in six years, and it never gets old for the faithful who couldn't make the trip to UCLA's Pauley Pavilion. The victory was especially impressive given the season's challenges. Hawaii finished with a program-record 30 wins against just five losses, and their path to the title included a tough road through top-seeded UCLA—one of the few teams to beat them this year—and rival Long Beach State.
The match wasn't without its nail-biting moments. Early in the fourth set, UC Irvine jumped ahead 6-4, and the Murphy's crowd grew tense. "Oh, my goodness," one fan fretted. "Smoked, they're getting smoked," another groaned as the Anteaters extended their lead. But then, everything changed. Louis Sakanoko stepped up in a big way, delivering three consecutive aces to put the Warriors ahead 8-6—a lead they never relinquished. Sakanoko finished with 12 kills, a season-high three aces, and several spectacular defensive plays, earning him MVP honors for the tournament.
"Louie is such a great team player," Hirasaki said. "He's great at everything." And as Hawaii fans know, great players and great moments are what make championship runs unforgettable. Whether you were courtside at Pauley or cheering from your local bar, this title is one for the history books. So grab your Rainbow Warriors gear, wear it proud, and get ready to celebrate—because this team proved once again that the spirit of Hawaii can conquer anything.