Sheraton Hotels and Resorts Hawai'i has signed an extension to remain as title sponsor of the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl, Executive Director David Matlin announced yesterday.

The extension runs through the 2010 game that features teams from the Western Athletic Conference and Conference USA.

"Starwood and Kyo-ya are committed to supporting the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl in its effort to provide the community, the University of Hawai'i and its students with a first-class sporting event they can be proud to be a part of," said Keith Vieira, senior vice president of operations – Hawai'i and French Polynesia, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

The Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television. The Dec. 24 game, in its eighth edition, will be televised live on ESPN from Aloha Stadium.

VOLLEYBALL

VULCANS ELIMINATED

Jackie Matthisen had 19 kills, including the match-ending one, as Alaska-Anchorage beat 14th-ranked Hawai'i-Hilo, 29-27, 28-26, 21-25, 16-25 and 15-12, yesterday in a first-round match of an NCAA Division II Volleyball West Regional at San Bernardino, Calif.

Stacy Meisner added 29 digs and Calli Scott 45 assists for the fifth-seeded Seawolves (23-6), who advanced to the semifinals of the eight-team regional.

Josimara Pinheiro and Kawena Cubi-Otineru each had 12 kills, and Morgan Bonney 11 for the fourth-seeded Vulcans, who finished their season 25-2.

Katie Swenson had 50 assists and Lauren Tonokawa 23 digs for Hilo.

The Vulcans had leads of 7-4, 9-6 and 10-7 in the fifth set, which was tied six times — the last at 12. Matthisen's block, a Hilo ball-handling error and Matthisen's kill ended the match.

VULCANS DOMINATE

Hawai'i-Hilo won the Pacific West Conference title this season and was rewarded with all the major postseason awards.

Senior middle Fabiane Seben was named Player of the Year and coach Bruce Atkinson was named Coach of the Year. Junior setter Katie Swenson was named Newcomer of the Year.

Seben was named to the all-conference first team along with outside hitter Josimara Pinheiro, who was a repeat selection. Hawai'i Pacific junior middle Kelly Balanay earned her third first-team honor, and Brigham Young-Hawai'i outside hitter Losaline Faka'osi earned her first first-team honor.

Dixie State's Jayci Jeffress was named Libero of the Year and Grand Canyon setter Kristen Preach was named Freshman of the Year.