HONOLULU – Hawai’i volleyball coach Dave Shoji became just the second Division I coach in NCAA history to win 1,000 career matches Saturday night with a 3-1 victory over New Mexico State in front of 9,293 fans at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Shoji earned the prestigious milestone with a 25-13, 22-25, 25-21, 25-8 victory over the visiting Aggies. With the win, the Rainbow Wahine improve to 16-2 on the season and 7-0 in WAC play. NM State falls to 11-7 overall and 6-2 in the WAC.
In front of nearly a sold out crowd, following the final point, Shoji was swarmed by the Rainbow Wahine as confetti and streamers fell from the arena rafters. Following the celebration, Shoji was presented with the game ball, a plaque, a flat-screen television and a proclamation from Governor Linda Lingle proclaiming Oct. 17, 2009 as Coach Dave Shoji 1,000th Win Day.
Shoji joins three other women’s volleyball coaches ever and only UCLA’s Andy Banachowski at the Division I level to reach 1,000 wins.
Overall, UH was led by Kanani Danielson, who had a double-double with 15 kills and 12 digs. Aneli Cubi-Otineru also had 15 kills, had nine digs and four aces, while Elizabeth Ka’aihue had a season-high 25 digs.
The Aggies were led by Whitney Woods and Kayleigh Giddens with 11 and 10 kills, respectively.