Hawaii men’s volleyball: Despite Cowell, U.S. loses to Chile in Pan American opener

Hawaii outside hitter Colton Cowell put down a team-high 16 kills but it was not enough as the U.S. fell to Chile in Wednesday’s men’s volleyball pool-play opener at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.

Cowell, a rising senior, added an ace in the 25-17, 25-17, 17-25, 25-22 loss at the Callao Sports Center. Former Rainbow Warrior All-American setter Joe Worsley, who played all four sets and started the last two, had two aces and a kill, and former UH hitter Kupono Fey played the entire match at libero. Worsley replaced starter Josh Tuaniga.

The U.S., which is coached by Warrior assistant coach Milan Zarkovic, continues pool play Thursday with a match against Mexico and Friday against Brazil. The semifinals are Saturday and medal play Sunday.

For the curious, stats are available here.