Hawaii fans who attended the much anticipated “Match of the Decade” between the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and Long Beach State were not disappointed (“UH strikes back,” Star-Advertiser, April 21).

It was a hard-fought volleyball grudge match, with both teams evenly talented. The level of play that night saw five spirited sets with spectacular extended rallies and laser-point service aces. But there is only one throne in any kingdom, and for this night, it belonged to the UH men’s volleyball team.

The excellent coaching on both sides was evident: At the conclusion of the game, I saw some incredible displays of genuine sportsmanship on both sides. As one who has played competitive sports in high school, I know how difficult it is to accept defeat both personally and as a team.

UH won that volleyball match and deservedly so. But when I saw the comradery and good sportmanship shown by the Long Beach players after the match, it reaffirmed to me the true meaning of competitive sports. In my book, they were no losers that night.

Jeff Konn

McCully-Moiliili

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