Freshman Josh Taylor continued his streak of strong play, leading Pepperdine with 18 kills and a serve ace. Sophomore Mike McMahon showed up on the defensive end with 10 digs.
The Warriors showed a strong defensive display in the first set with solid rallies. They put early pressure on the Waves, taking a 3-6 lead, and forcing Pepperdine head coach Marv Dunphy to signal for a timeout.
A multitude of kills by Taylor kept the Waves in the match, as they were down by as much as six, and caught up to within three, 21-24. However, Hawaii would take the first set, 21-25.
The Waves regained composure and were able to handle the second set. Hawaii closed the gap to 12-11, but the Pepperdine squad fended them off. Taylor nailed a kill to put his team on top, 25-22.
Tied 1-1 going into the third set, Pepperdine dished out a few service aces. Junior Maurice Torres shot down two early on to put his team up 6-4. Later on, Taylor aced another to keep his team ahead, 12-10.
From then on the Waves cruised to the finish with yet another laser kill by Taylor, 25-15.
In the final fourth set, Pepperdine took the lead and never looked back. Although the Warriors tried to even out the match late in the set, 21-18, the Waves continued to answer with points of their own.
Other then the late attempted Warrior comeback, the fourth set mirrored the third set, with teamwork highlighting another fairly easy set win for the Waves, 25-20.
The Waves will face off against the Warriors once again tomorrow, Jan. 21, at 8:30 p.m., following the men’s basketball game against BYU at 5 p.m.