The University of Hawai’i women’s basketball team ended the American Savings Bank Rainbow Wahine Showdown with a 76-57 defeat to Santa Clara on Sunday at Bankoh Arena in the Stan Sheriff Center. This marks the team’s third consecutive loss, bringing their season record to 4-3.
Santa Clara improved to 7-3 and controlled the game by making 11 three-pointers and forcing 24 turnovers from Hawai’i, while committing only six themselves. The Broncos took advantage of these turnovers, outscoring Hawai’i 28-2 in points off turnovers.
Despite shooting a higher percentage from the field—38 percent compared to Santa Clara’s 36 percent—the Rainbow Wahine attempted fewer shots due to turnovers and an offensive rebounding disadvantage (13-9). Santa Clara also led in fast break points, finishing with a 25-6 edge.
Sophie Glancey scored 19 points, Kylee Fox added 18, and Maia Jones contributed 15 for Santa Clara. Together they accounted for most of the Broncos’ offense and seven of their three-pointers. For Hawai’i, Bailey Flavell was the only player to reach double figures, finishing with 10 points and six rebounds. Flavell was named to the all-tournament team.
Santa Clara established control early with a pair of three-pointers during a first-quarter run that put them ahead 20-8. In the second quarter, Izzy Forsyth made her first career three-pointer for UH as part of a five-point start to the period for the Rainbow Wahine. However, Santa Clara maintained its lead and went into halftime up by ten.
In the third quarter, Flavell led a brief comeback that cut Santa Clara’s lead to four points at 37-33. The Broncos responded with more long-range shooting and extended their advantage heading into the final quarter. A decisive fourth-quarter run saw Santa Clara increase their margin to as many as 26 points before closing out the game.
Earlier on Sunday, Lindenwood defeated Vermont 58-54 in another tournament matchup. Vermont claimed the tournament title based on a tie-breaker for least points allowed among Vermont, Lindenwood, and Santa Clara.
Looking ahead, Hawai’i will begin its first road trip of the season as it opens Big West Conference play. The team will face UC Davis on Thursday, December 4, followed by Cal State Fullerton on Saturday, December 6. The Rainbow Wahine enter conference play as two-time defending regular-season champions.
The all-tournament team selections were Brooke Coffey (Lindenwood), Nikola Priede (Vermont), Keira Hanson (Vermont), Sophie Glancey (Santa Clara), Bailey Flavell (Hawai’i), with Aleshia Jones (Lindenwood) named MVP.
“Bailey Flavell was named to the all-tournament team.”
