Top-seeded Hawai`i won the first Western Athletic Conference Tournament since 1998, defeating third-seeded San Jose State, 3-0. The Rainbow Wahine won the last WAC Tournament, defeating Brigham Young in five.
Hawai`i won by game scores of 30-22, 30-27, 30-22. The Wahine (26-4) have now won 23-straight matches with two regular season matches remaining. San Jose State falls to 22-7 after playing in its first WAC Tournament Championship match.
Hawai`i was led by WAC Player of the Year Kim Willoughby who had 26 kills and 17 digs for her 21st double-double of the season. Sophomore Maja Gustin added 18 kills for the Wahine. Sophomore Lauren Duggins hit .533 with nine kills on 15 attempts and added 12 digs.
The Spartans were led by senior outside hitter Brianna Blair who had 16 kills, and sophomore Kimberly Noble who added 11 kills. Junior Stephanie Pascucci contributed eight kills and hit .412.
Hawai`is Willoughby was named tournament MVP. Gustin, middle blocker Lauren Duggins and setter Margaret Vakasausau were named to the All-Tournament team for Hawai`i. Blair, middle blocker Stephanie Pascucci and defensive specialist Karli Silveira were also honored. Fresno State middle blocker Shauna McQuaid and Nevada middle blocker Michelle More completed the All-Tournament team.
2001 WAC All-Tournament TeamBrianna Blair, OH, San Jose State
Lauren Duggins, MB, Hawai`i
Maja Gustin, OH, Hawai`i
Shauna McQuaid, MB, Fresno State
Michelle More, MB, Nevada
Stephanie Pascucci, MB, San Jose State
Karli Silveira, DS, San Jose State
Margaret Vakasausau, S, Hawai`i
MVP Kim Willoughby, OH, Hawai`i