University of Hawaii Season Review

Well the University of Hawaii Athletics has finished and it is nice to look back at what has gone on this season. The UH Athletics page has posted a video highlighting all sports and posted a review of all the accolades and accomplishments of the sports. But here are the volleyball accomplishments:

Wahine Volleyball

-The women's volleyball team won its 19th straight conference title (16-WAC, 3-Big West) and qualified for its 32^nd NCAA Tournament. 
- Dave Shoji became the all-time winningest coach in NCAA Division I women's volleyball history with his 1,107^th win during the second weekend of the season.
-The women's volleyball team ranked in the Top 5 nationally in attendance for the 19th straight season.

Honors
AVCA All-American: Emily Hartong (1st Team)
AVCA All-Region: Emily Hartong, Nikki Taylor (Honorable Mention)
Big West Player of the Year: Emily Hartong
Big West First Team: Emily Hartong, Ali Longo, Nikki Taylor, Mita Uiato
Big West Honorable Mention: Kalei Adolpho, Jade Vorster
Big West All-Freshman Team: Nikki Taylor
Big West Player of the Week: Emily Hartong (4x), Nikki Taylor, Mita Uiato
Senior CLASS All-American: Emily Hartong (2nd Team)
Big West All-Academic: Kalei Adolpho, Kaela Goodman, Emily Hartong, Ashley Kastl, Kayla Kawamura, Courtney Lelepali, Ali Longo, Jade Vorster
Seniors: Kaela Goodman, Emily Hartong, Ashley Kastl, Courtney Lelepali, Ali Longo, Kristiana Tuaniga, Mita Uiato

Warrior Volleyball

-The men's volleyball team closed the season ranked 12^th in the nation.

Honors

AVCA All-American: Taylor Averill (1st Team), Brook Sedore (Honorable Mention)

Volleyball Magazine All-American: Taylor Averill (1st Team), Brook Sedore (2nd Team)

All-MPSF: Taylor Averill (1st Team), Brook Sedore (Honorable Mention)

AVCA National Player of the Week: Sinisa Zarkovic, Brook Sedore

MPSF Player of the Week: Brook Sedore

MPSF All-Academic: Taylor Averill, Kolby Kanatake, Joby Ramos, Johann Timmer, Sinisa Zarkovic

Seniors: Aniefre Etim-Thomas, Jace Olsen, Joby Ramos, Johann Timmer, Nick West

Sand Volleyball

-The sand volleyball team qualified for its first AVCA Sand Volleyball National Championship with Karissa Cook and Brittany Tiegs advancing to the finals of the
AVCA Pairs National Championship.

Honors

AVCA All-American: Karissa Cook, Katie Spieler, Nikki Taylor, Brittany Tiegs

Tournament 1st Place: Karissa Cook-Brittany Tiegs (3x)

Tournament 2nd Place: Katie Spieler-Nikki Taylor (4x), Karissa Cook-Brittany Tiegs (2x)

Tournament Semifinals: Ginger Long-Ali Longo (4x), Katie Spieler-Nikki Taylor, Karissa Cook-Brittany Tiegs

Seniors: Karissa Cook, Ali Longo

All Photo and Video Credit goes to Hawaii Athletics

Volleyball Magazine All-Americans

Photo Credit: Hawaii Athletics

| Volleyball Magazine Release | UH Release |

Juniors Taylor Averill and Brook Sedore were both named to the 2014 Volleyball Magazine NCAA Men's All-Americans. This is the second All-American award given to each of them as they both were honored by the AVCA.

This season Volleyball Magazine named seven members on three teams instead of ten members on three teams. Each team consisted of two middle blockers, two outside hitters, one opposite, one setter, and one libero. Averill a middle blocker was named to the First Team and Sedore an opposite was named to the Second Team.

Micah Christenson (Kamehameha-Kapalama/USC) a setter was named to the First Team, Taylor Crabb (Punahou/Long Beach State) an outside hitter and Henry Cassiday (Punahou/USC) a libero were named to the Second Team.

Player of the Year: Taylor Sander (BYU)
Coach of the Year: Shane Davis (Loyola)
Freshman of the Year: Lucas Yoder (USC)

Off The Block Fan Choice Player of the Year

Announcement

Off The Block has announced the 64-player tournament for the Fan Choice Player of the Year. Nominees in this include Warriors Taylor Averill and Brook Sedore, local products Micah Christensen (USC), Henry Cassiday (USC), and Taylor Crabb (LBSU).

There are four different region (Sinjin Smith, Aldis Berzins, Mick Haley, Dusty Dvorak) with 16 players and each player received a seed. Averill is the No.3 seed in the Aldis Berzins Region and Sedore is No.8 seed in the Mick Haley Region.

First Round Match-Ups have begun for the Sinjin Smith and Mick Haley Region. (6:30 PM HT)

First Round Voting (Sedore)

Check this post later for more updates throughout the tournament

[Update]: Sedore and Averill both fall in the First Round

Weekly Rankings (Week 12)

Weekly Rankings - Week 12

Rankings (Polls)
AVCA - From #11 to #10
VBMagazine - From Receiving Votes to #10

Awards
MPSF Player of the Week - Matt West (Pepperdine)
AVCA National Player of the Week - Tanner Jansen (USC)
Off the Block/Springbak National Freshman of the Week - Lucas Yoder (USC)

Conference Statistics (MPSF)
Individual:
Hit%: Taylor Averill (.479) - 1st
Hit%: Nick West (.394) - 11th
Kills: Brook Sedore (3.77) - 8th
Assists: Joby Ramos (10.15) - 8th
Aces: Brook Sedore (0.24) - 15th
Blocks: Taylor Averill (1.21) - T6th
Digs: Kolby Kanatake (2.00) - 13th
Points: Brook Sedore (4.26) - 8th

Team:
Hit%: (.287) - 7th
Opp Hit%: (.269) - 8th
Assists: (11.89) - 9th
Kills: (12.72) - 9th
Blocks: (2.57) - 5th
Aces: (1.09) - 7th
Digs: (8.08) - 11th

Hawaii vs UC San Diego (Night One)

UC San Diego Tritons

2014 Record: (0-5) (0-4)

Top Players: Nick Iorfino, Johl Awerkamp, Scot Metzger

Head Coach: Kevin Ring

Series Record: 45-4 (UH)

Last Meeting: Apr. 13, 2014 (3-2 UH)

Coverage:

Televised: OCSports

Live Stats: Hawaii Athletics

Set One: 25-15 (Hawaii)

UCSD gave Hawaii the set as they had 13 errors. Hawaii's block (5.0) was solid and the bad passing by UCSD made their set decisions very predictable. Sedore leads with 4 kills and Averill has 2 kills with 4 blocks.

Set Two: 25-13 (Hawaii)

The middles for Hawaii continue to impress as Averill (6 kills, .750%, 6 blocks) and Holt (3 kills, .333%, 1 block) did well. Reserves Franciskovic, McKellar, and Timmer came in. Timmer served four points as Hawaii had 3 straight blocks in the beginning. McKellar had 2 kills on 2 swings.

Set Three: 25-21 (Hawaii)
This set had a lot more errors than usual keeping the set closer. Scott Hartley made his first Warrior appearance since the 2012 season (since he redshirted 2013) and started the third set in place of Olsen. Hartley only got two attempts but had three digs.

Overall:
The Warriors did not play down. I feel bad for UC San Diego because they have not been able to be the team they were the last two seasons. I think Sundays match will be the same with new players getting playing time. I would like to see more of McKellar at opposite, Etim-Thomas or Radner in the middle, Hartley or Timmer or Durni at outside, and Komisarek at libero.

| Box Score | Highlights | Recap |

Next Up:
UC San Diego Tritons
1/26/14 (MPSF Conference Match) (Night Two)
(Nigh Two will NOT be televised)

Hawaii vs Long Beach State (Night One)

Long Beach State 49ers

2014 Record: (2-1) (1-1)

Top Players: Taylor Crabb, Connor Olbright, Dalton Ammerman

Head Coach: Alan Knipe

Series Record: 37-37

Last Meeting: Jan. 19, 2013 (3-2 LBSU)

Coverage

Televised: OCSports

Live Stats: Hawaii Athletics

Prediction:

The Warriors have become one tough team this season with their increased depth. However both teams are coming off close losses and they will both be hungry for a win. I am not sure if Ammerman is fully healthy as he had an ankle sprain in their last match against BYU. If he is healthy then LBSU will be extremely tough. If he isn't then I think Hawaii will have a chance. I think Sedore will come back to his usual dominating right side self. But for night one I predict a four set win for the Beach. (Hopefully I am wrong)

Set One: 25-17 (LBSU)

Sad to say but Hawaii just handed the Beach the set with all their errors. Holt started for West who has a hand injury. Siki looked out of it so he got subbed out and Fey got to play most of the set. The passing and setting was off but credit to Long Beach for their good blocking and back court defense. Franciskovic played the last half of the set for Ramos and Timmer served for Holt. Look to see more players for UH to see the court if this continues to happen.

Set Two: 25-20 (LBSU)

Fey started for Siki, Franciskovic started for Ramos. Long Beach continued to dominate however Hawaii looked a little better. In the middle of the set Siki came back in for Fey which I don't know why because Kupono was doing fine. Hawaii had some momentum towards the end of the set then lost it. Mol came in to serve and got an ace.

Set Three: 25-22 (LBSU)

Aniefre Etim-Thomas got to start the third set as it was his first set to play this season. Fey started again and Ramos returned. Sedore got a majority of the sets and was around half successful. Kanatake had five digs in the set and they were great ones. Mol and Timmer came in as serving specialists then Franciskovic came in on the last point as a blocking specialist.

Overall:

It was not a good night for the Warriors. Tonight Sedore was the only one who could really put the ball away. Fey did alright which is good news. The setting between Ramos and Franciskovic were pretty shaky tonight as it put the hitters in bad situations but it got better as the match went on. Kanatake had great defense. The blocking did pretty well (not as good as Long Beach State) but they scouted well. Taylor Crabb is simply too good. His beach shots worked most of the night and it really threw UH off. Hawaii will really need to clean up the mistakes and gain their confidence in order to come to play tomorrow.

Next Up:

Long Beach State 49ers

1/17/14 (MPSF Conference Match) (Night Two)

(Night Two will NOT be televised)

Hawaii vs UCLA

Outrigger Warrior Invitational

UCLA Bruins
2014 Record: (2-1) (0-0)
Top Players: Gonzalo Quiroga, Robert Page, Steve O'Dell
Head Coach: John Speraw
Series Record: 22-60 (UCLA)
Last Meeting: Feb. 16, 2013 (3-2 UH)

Coverage:
Televised: OCSports
Live Stats: HawaiiAthletics

Prediction:
This will be a big match for both teams. It will prove that Hawaii can continue to compete with the top teams. For the match, I predict Hawaii in four. Despite the smaller crowds compared to the Wahine games, UH has home court advantage. Also the Warriors have so much depth that anyone will be able to compete. For All-Tournament Team predictions: Sinisa Zarkovic (Hawaii), Jace Olsen/Brook Sedore (Hawaii), Robert Page (UCLA), Gonzalo Quiroga (UCLA), Andrew Lutz (Ohio State), Aaron Russell (Penn State). The MVP will come from whichever team wins so it could either be Zarkovic or Page.

Set One: 25-19 (UCLA)

It was a pretty tough set for Hawaii. UCLA's serve got UH out of system a lot making the sets very predictable and the UCLA got their block up. However there were a few out of system plays where Hawaii got lucky to hit off the block. The only reserve that got to play was Timmer who came in to serve and he had a great dig.

Set Two: 25-14 (Hawaii)

What a turnaround by the Warriors. Sedore sat out the second set as he was replaced by freshman Hendrik Mol. That was a bold and smart move by head coach Charlie Wade as UCLA doesn't have much scouting report on Mol. But Mol had five kills with no errors and hit .556 with two digs and two blocks. Hawaii had its largest lead against any team this season with an 11 point lead. Reserve Franciskovic came in as a blocking sub and Timmer had his annual against UCLA serving. Timmer had an ace and great serves that put UCLA out of system and Hawaii's strong block put the ball away.

NOTE: 2014-15 recruit Kekoa Pukahi is in attendance from California

Set Three: 25-19 (UCLA)

Hawaii had a lead at 15-12 however UCLA had serves that Hawaii couldn't handle. When the passing got bad, the sets were pretty tight setting up hits straight into the block. Also not all the hitters were able to be set with the bad passing. Hopefully they clean it up and come back from down 2-1. Timmer was the only sub but he served in the net.

Set Four: 25-16 (UCLA)

Passing continued to struggle and multiple hitting errors caused Hawaii to fall behind. I am a little surprised that Wade didn't sub Sedore back in when Mol had around four hitting errors in the first ten points. Once it got late in the set, the team looked really down and had no energy. UCLA was hitting really well and they dug extremely well.

Review

The team still shows potential but it is still a good thing they lost to show what they need to improve on. That may be connections and the passing. Kanatake did well defensively however the block wasn't helping him in the end as it was hard for him to read the ball. Hopefully Sedore can come back and earn his spot back. West has matured so much that he seems like a whole different player and he said it himself that this will be his last season.

Notes:

-Recruit Pukahi got to go in the huddle after the match and hear Milan Zakovic give a speech to the team

-The All-Tournament Team awards were tikis and the first place award was a giant tiki

-In the pregame show, they asked players what their favorite food was. Timmer said sushi, Zarkovic said chicken katsu, Sedore said anything, Wade said t-bone.

All-Tournament Team

Gonzalo Quiroga - UCLA

Steve O'Dell - UCLA

Robart Page - UCLA (MOP)

Sinisa Zarkovic - Hawaii

Nick West - Hawaii

Nick Gorrell - Penn State

Driss Guessous - Ohio State

Outrigger Invitational Final Standings

1. UCLA (3-0)

2. Hawaii (2-1)

3. Penn State (1-2)

4. Ohio State (0-3)

Next Up:

Long Beach State 49ers

1/16/14: 7pm HT (MPSF Conference Play)

Hawaii vs Penn State

Outrigger Warrior Invitational

Penn State Nittany Lions

2014 Record: (0-1) (0-0)

Top Players: Aaron Russell, Peter Russell, Connor Curry

Head Coach: Mark Pavlik

Series Record: 12-8

Last Meeting: Jan. 10, 2013 (3-2 PSU)

Coverage:

Televised: OCSports

Live Stats: HawaiiAthletics

Set One: 25-20 (Penn State)

There was the same starters as opening night and Hawaii started off really slow. However Penn State played well. Their libero Connor Curry had eight digs in this set alone and that stat is impressive in a women's game as well. Tonight seems to be the opposite of last night where Olsen and Zarkovic are playing the best but not much production from the middle.

Set Two: 25-22 (Hawaii)

Hawaii pulled off the set due to Aaron Russell having a few errors and cooling off. The a Warriors had better defense in digging and blocking. The only reserves this set were Timmer and Fey as serving specialists. Zarkovic still leading the team with his 10 kills. West also playing well with his kills and blocks.

Set Three: 26-24 (Hawaii)

This set was given to the team who can put the ball down first as both teams hit over .500 but Hawaii won it. The Warriors were up 15-11 at one point then subbed in Franciskovic as blocking sub for Ramos and seeing him win a joust with his 6'5" height excites me because he is athletic. Olsen and Zarkovic continued to impress along with West.

Set Four: 25-21 (Hawaii)

There was more good rallies in this set and some good digs. Sedore struggled throughout the match so he didn't start and freshman Hendrik Mol had his collegiate debut. Franciskovic and Fey both came in as subs. Fey had a nice serve and dig on match point. Zarkovic also had two clutch kills at the end of the set.

Overall:

Penn State brought out Hawaii's flaws which was their block. However Hawaii cleaned it up throughout the next few sets and Penn State made more errors than usual. There were a few career highs tonight with Zarkovic and his 22 kills, Olsen getting 15 kills, Fey with two digs, Mol with three kills, and Kanatake with seven digs. This match also showed that Hawaii can play against top teams.

Next Up:

UCLA Bruins 

1/11/14: 7pm HT (Outrigger Invitational Day 3) (Championship Match)

Hawaii vs Ohio State

Outrigger Warrior Invitational

Ohio State Buckeyes

2014 Record: (0-0) (0-0)

Top Players: Andrew Lutz, Michael Henchy, Peter Heinen

Head Coach:

Series Record: 3-1 (UH)

Last Meeting: Jan. 10, 2013 (3-2 tOSU)

Coverage:

Televised: OCSports

Live Stats: HawaiiAthletics

Set One: 25-22 (Hawaii)

Starters were the players that I predicted a few days ago: Olsen, Zarkovic, Sedore, Ramos, West, Averill, Kanatake. Hawaii made the real plays that set and Ohio State showed that they were young as they couldn't control the ball as well as UH. Iain McKellar and Jennings Franciskovic came in towards the end of the set with McKellar getting two kills on two swings and Franciskovic getting two assists. Johann Timmer also came in as a serving sub but served in the net.

Set Two: 25-21 (Hawaii)

This set really gave the feeling that it is mens volleyball. It was pretty slow and there was a lot of errors. However Hawaii did toy with the Ohio State passing line by mixing up their serves. Ohio State improved in their back row defense. Hawaii showed that they can really run the middle and have great results when they are set. Zarkovic and Olsen still struggled with their hitting although Sedore, West, and Averill were good enough to stay in it. The same reserves came in (Timmer, McKellar, Franciskovic) but in the third set we will probably see one or more new reserves in.

Set Three: 25-21 (Hawaii)

It was a little more exciting that set two. There was a few different plays that Siki ran where he can on an inside set and hit a B ball from the back row. The blocking for UH picked up a little bit but Ohio State was the overall better blocking team. The best play of the match was the one that set up match point as the great defense for Hawaii ping-ponged the ball back over the net along with the play with Olsen's three great digs. Franciskovic was the only same reserve to come in however freshman Kupono Fey came in. He was given high remarks about his progress in camp and in his first collegiate swing he got a kill.

Overall Review:

After watching this match, I was pretty impressed with the Warriors brought on the court tonight. They definitely have the potential to be a top team however they had a few sloppy plays but it is the beginning of the season. Sedore really stuck out as the go-to guy and he showed maturity on the court. West also showed maturity opposed to how he used to act the last two years. Siki looked like he was fooling around a little bit too much with his celebrations and his erant fake pass. Kanatake showed a lot of confidence compared to his freshman season and his speed and lateral movement has improved. Averill has worked hard in the off season and he was disappointed with his play during the exhibition matches but proved how he can be tonight. 

Next Up:

Penn State Nittany Lions

1/10/14: 7pm HT (Outrigger Invitational Day 2)

Ending and Beginning Season News

Wahine Ending
Hartong Named All-American

| AVCA All-Americans | Hawaii Release |

Senior outside hitter Emily Hartong received AVCA First Team All-American for the second consecutive season. This is the third season overall as she was a Second Team selection in 2011. She got the opportunity to go to Seattle for the Final Four and receive her award at the All-American Banquet. The AVCA will post interviews later of the All-Americans getting interviewed by former Washington Huskie, Courtney Thompson. Congrats to Emily!

Hartong Named Senior CLASS All-American

| Senior CLASS Award | Hawaii Release |

Senior outside hitter Emily Hartong received yet another award but this one as a Senior CLASS Award Second Team All-American. She was one of ten finalists being chosen for this award as the final winner was National Champion Penn State opposite hitter Ariel Scott. Despite Hartong being second in the fan voting, that was only part of the selection process. Congrats again to Emily and thank you for representing UH well.

Final Rankings

| AVCA Poll | RPI |

The Wahine are ending the season with a ranking of No.17 in the final AVCA Poll. National champions Penn State were the unanimous pick for No.1 followed by Wisconsin, Texas, Washington, Southern California, Stanford, and Nebraska. Hawaii was also No.20 in the final RPI of the season.

Warriors Beginning

Warriors Ranked No.9 in MPSF

| MPSF Poll | Hawaii Release |

The Warriors were voted at No.9 in the 2014 MPSF Preseason Poll. This was the spot that they finished last season and they made the MPSF Tournament due to Cal Baptist not being eligible for postseason.

Warriors Open Season With Exhibitions
| Hawaii Release |
The Warrior Volleyball team opens its 2014 season with a pair of exhibition matches against Canada team Thompson Rivers. The matches take place in the Stan Sheriff Center on Jan. 2 and Jan. 4 at 7PM PT.

Blogger Comments:
This upcoming Warrior season looks to be an exciting one as usual. The team is a year older after losing one senior libero and four reserves. However they brought in five new players and five players are coming off redshirt years. From reading the Star Advertiser articles, the only players that seem to have a lead in their positions are senior setter Joby Ramos, sophomore libero Kolby Kanatake, and senior middle blocker Taylor Averill. I think the final outcome will be this:

Hawaiivolleyball808 Starting Line-Up Prediction:
OH1: Sinisa Zarkovic - 6'4" Sophomore
OH2: Jace Olsen - 6'7" Senior
OPP: Brook Sedore - 6'5" Junior
MB1: Taylor Averill - 6'7" Junior
MB2: Nick West - 6'8" Senior
S: Joby Ramos - 6'0" Senior
L: Kolby Kanatake - 5'8" Sophomore

Catching Up

Not sure why this post deleted but I will repost it again

Sorry for the long disappearance. I have been really busy lately but I appreciate the support of people who still came by and checked if this blog actually still existed. All these things posted may just be old news to the Hawaii fans since we are all pretty dedicated to our volleyball, but here you go.

Wahine News:
BYU Sweeps UH
| Hawaii Athletics Release | Box Score | Post Match Press Conference |
The Rainbow Wahine were swept by BYU in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Hawaii was seeded 11th and got the opportunity to host the first and second rounds. This loss was the worst in the rally scoring era. The team will say good-bye to seven seniors (Emily Hartong, Mita Uiato, Kaela Goodman, Ali Longo, Ashley Kastl, Courtney Lelepali, Kristiana Tuaniga). Despite the loss, we will all be exited for the 2014 season! Go Bows!

Big West Awards
| Big West Release | Hawaii Athletics Release |
Senior outside hitter Emily Hartong earns as the Big West Player of the Year. Hartong led the team in kills and aces. She is the first Wahine since Tee Williams-Sander in 1988-89 to repeat as conference player of the year. Senior libero Ali Longo and setter Mita Uiato were named to All-Big West First Team along with freshman opposite Nikki Taylor who also was named to the All-Freshman Team. Junior and sophomore middle blockers Kalei Adolpho and Jade Vorster received Honorable Mention.

All-Region Awards
| AVCA Release | Hawaii Athletics Release | Big West Release |
The conference player of the year Emily Hartong was named to the AVCA All-Pacific North Region Team while freshman teammate Nikki Taylor received honorable mention. With this award, Hartong and Taylor are now in contention to be AVCA All-Americans. Despite not making the teams, setter Mita Uiato and libero Ali Longo both received votes but were edged out. ("I predict Hartong will make first team again while Taylor will receive honorable mention.")

Warrior News
Announcing the New Assistant Coach
| Hawaii Athletics Release |
The University of Hawaii officially announces the hiring of the new assistant coach Milan Zarkovic. Zarkovic is the father of sophomore outside Siki Zarkovic. Milan has had 20+ years of coaching experience and will be a great addition to the Warrior coaching staff.

Warriors Picked at #13
| AVCA Poll | Hawaii Athletics Release |
The mens team was voted at #13 in the AVCA Preseason Poll. Hawaii was 1 of 11 teams to be voted in the preseason poll of 15 teams. Non-conference opponents Penn State (9) and Ohio State (12) were also in the poll.

Setter Commits to UH
| Coast Commitment Post |
The Warriors received their fifth commitment for the 2014-15 season from Kekoa Pukahi (Oceanside, CA). Pukahi is a 6'4" setter who plays for Coast Volleyball Club. He was an All-CIF Second team member as a junior at El Camino HS but he is currently at La Costa Canyon HS. Making multiple club switches, Pukahi also played at San Diego Volleyball Club and Wave Volleyball Club. ("Welcome to the Warriors!")

Men's Tickets on Sale
| Hawaii Athletics Release |
The season tickets for the upcoming volleyball season are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Stan Sheriff Center Box Office (Monday-Friday, 9 am–5 pm), or by calling 944-2697. The Warriors open the season in a non-conference two match series against Thompson Rivers on Jan. 2 and 4. ("Would be great to have big crowds at the mens matches especially since they support the women.")

Sand News
2015 Commit
The Wahine received a commitment from 5'8" Ariana Homayun (West Hills, CA). There is no confirmation whether she is an indoor and/or sand recruit but she is most likely a sand recruit. As an indoors player, she is an outside hitter/setter/defensive specialist and plays for Elite Volleyball Club. She is the first sand recruit for the Hawaii 2015-16 class. ("Welcome to the Wahine!")

Friday Night Recap (Warriors and Wahine)

Wahine Sweep

Recap | Box Score

The Rainbow Wahine completed the season sweep against Cal Poly tonight 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-19) in San Luis Obispo. Going back on the road for the first time since the back-to-back road loses at Northridge and Davis left a few fans worried about this road trip.

But the Wahine improved its passing and set distribution to contribute to this win. Freshman opposite Nikki Taylor led the Bows with 12 kills and had five digs in her first match playing all the way around for an entire match. She also received her first career ace along with three blocks. Sophomore outside Tai Manu-Olevau also had 11 kills and two good blocks. After Emily Hartong has been taking a majority of the swings this season, tonight was more evenly spread out as Taylor and Manu-Olevau had 24 swings each and Hartong had less with 22. On the night Hartong had nine kills, 11 digs, and an ace which she received after switching to a standing float serve for the first time this season. Senior libero Ali Longo had a match high 12 digs and junior defensive specialist Sarah Mendoza had three digs in her new spot at middle back.

The team travels to Santa Barbara to take on the Gauchos and get revenge for their lose in Honolulu last month. There is no live stream for this event (according to Bigwest.tv) but there is live stats and audio available on ESPN1420 with commentary from Tiff Wells. [EDIT] Bigwest.tv has updated the Saturday matches for volleyball and lists a live stream for Hawaii vs. UCSB.

Warrior Road Trip

The Warriors entered in their first fall tournament before the upcoming 2014 season in Southern California. This tournament features ten MPSF teams and two others and is hosted by USC. Matches started today and UH was supposed to be represented with two teams to compete against opponents. But senior setter Joby Ramos sprained his ankle leaving the only other setter, freshman Jennings Franciskovic to run the offense and now only one team was available to represent UH. Head coach Charlie Wade called in on ESPN1420 this morning saying that they had to reschedule everything now that there would only be one Hawaii team. I am sure he wanted two teams to get all the players a chance to get in and have some playing experience.

The schedule for Friday was with matches against USC and UCLA. Men's volleyball blog "Off the Block" posted results from the preseason tournament but with no scores. However the UCLA Men's Volleyball twitter posted a few score updates throughout the match but did not mention any UH players that played. HBA alumni Michael Fisher ('13) played against UH in this match. I believe the layout for today was all matches will go to three sets, no matter what the outcome was of the first and second set. The first two sets were to 25 and the third to 15. [EDIT] USC posted the results on there athletics page.

Friday Scores:
- USC defeats Hawaii (2-1) 25-20, 20-25, 15-11
- UCLA defeats Hawaii (2-1) 25-17, 25-20, 10-15

The schedule for the Saturday matches is this:
- Hawaii vs. Pepperdine (1:15 PM PT/11:15 AM HT)
- Hawaii vs. UCSB (3:00 PM PT/1:00 PM HT)

Don't Forget to Vote
Everyone go out and vote for Emily Hartong for the Lowes Senior CLASS Award. Voting ends December 9th and she has been at the top of the voting this whole time and is competing at the top.

Vote Here

Updates

Sorry for not posting recently, been pretty busy lately.

Wahine:

Recap | Box Score

The Wahine swept the anteaters of UC Irvine last night (25-22, 25-16, 25-23) in a match that followed back to back loses for the Bows. The incredible plays of senior libero Ali Longo helped keep them in the game as she had a match high 18 digs and had three aces. We did see a lot better connection between senior setter Mita Uiato and redshirt sophomore middle Jade Vorster. Despite Vorster's hitting percentage on the night (.284), she had quality swings and brought a smile back on her face that we have not seen for a while. The rematch between Hawaii and Long Beach State starts tonight at 7 HT.

On Thursday (10/31), Emily Hartong was one of ten players across the country to be named a finalists for the Lowes Senior CLASS Award. She is the second Wahine Volleyball player to receive the award since it started in 2010. The first Wahine Kanani Danielson won the award in 2011. This award recognizes the senior that represents more than just a volleyball player but the player that is all around great in and out of the classroom. The winner is partially determined by the amount of votes received in the online voting system where fans can vote as well. The winner will be announced during the National Semifinals in Seattle, Washington. (Release from Kanani's Award) So go vote for the all around Emily Hartong! (Vote Here)

Warriors:

Photo courtesy of Hawaii Athletics Instagram

Back Row: Iain McKellar (RFr.), Jace Olsen (Sr.), Johann Timmer (Sr.?), Nick West (Sr.) , Brook Sedore (Jr.) , Davis Holt (Jr.)
Middle Row: Head Coach Charlie Wade, Garrett Komisarek (RJr.), Kolby Kanatake (So.), Joby Ramos (Sr.) Drew Durni (RFr.), Dane Keckin (Fr.) Assistant Coach Jeff Hall
Front Row: Jennings Franciskovic (Fr.), Taylor Averill (RJr..), Sinisa Zarkovic (So.), Kupono Fey (Fr.), Nesi Bechard (Fr.), Hendrik Mol (Fr.), Zach Radner (RFr.)

Roster

The roster has been updated with new headshots of the players. The only thing left to complete the roster is add the info on the five freshman. But this is most likely a mistake but the roster has Johann Timmer as a senior. It could mean he is graduating early but I doubt that so it is probably a mistake.

Catching Up With UH

Wahine News

• Senior outside hitter Emily Hartong named Big West Player of the Week
•  Seventh weekly conference award for her career
• Hawaii moves up to No. 5 in the latest AVCA Poll
• Received four first place votes
• Hawaii ranked No. 3 in first RPI release

Photo from Hawaii Athletics

 Warrior News

• Middlehitter.com posted 2014-15 commitment from Mamane Namahoe (Waiakea, HI)
• Plays with Pilipa'a Volleyball Club with other commit Kama Paio
• Position: Libero
• Hawaii Athletics posted a 2014 Schedule but no release
• Non-Conference Matches:
• Thompson Rivers (Team from Canada)
• Outrigger Hotels Invitational (Penn State, Ohio State, UCLA)
• Home Matches:
• Long Beach State, UC San Diego, BYU, UC Irvine, Cal Baptist, UCLA

Photo from Hawaii Athletics

Sand News

• 2014 Roster Listed (Roster)
• New players
• Karissa Cook (Stanford), London Chow, Emily Carman, Hannah Rooks, Sydney Shinn, Mikayla Tucker, Hannah Zalopany, Kelsi Delgado (Fresno Pacific)
• No indoor players are listed yet
• New sand courts have been added but not finished
• The team is now practicing there 
• KaLeo Sports article mentions that the upcoming season will host at least three tournaments

Photo from UHawaii SandVolleyball Facebook

Almost Complete Roster

2014 Roster

The men's volleyball teams around the country are updating their rosters in preparation for the upcoming 2014 season along with the University of Hawaii. Some questions have been answered as the 2014 roster is now updated.

Previously we found out that Harrison Phelps, Ryan Leung, Kainoa Mitchell, and Max Wechsung will not be returning (See Post). 2013 senior libero Matthew Cheape has graduated now so he is gone as well. 2014 senior middle Nick West has changed his number from #12 to #9.

The new additions to the roster is Kupono Fey, Hendrik Mol, Dane Keckin, Jennings Franciskovic, and Nesi Buchard. Fey and Franciskovic have yet to pick a uniform number.

Buchard is listed as a 6'8" freshman middle blocker from Honolulu, Hawaii and graduated from Hawaiian Mission Academy. Never heard of him before but who knows what he can do for the program.

The redshirts for the 2013 season were Garrett Komisarek, Scott Hartley, Zach Radner, Drew Durni, and Iain McKellar. Hartley and Komisarek are both redshirt juniors and Radner, Druni, and McKellar are redshirt freshman. 

Incoming freshman Nainoa Frank from Kalaheo HS has been removed from the roster, but there has not been a reason why. He was injured during his senior season because of a football injury so he sat out the volleyball season. Possibly the injury is keeping him out now or could be other reasons.

There also has been no announcement for the replacement of assistant coach Sean Carney. They may still be looking or but it has been said that they would find one during the summer. Carney left to focus on his job and his club Hawaii Elite VBC. 

Warriors Back-to-Back Road Trip

Off the Block announced that the Warriors will once again play four matches in five days in the upcoming season. Last season they played UCLA twice and followed with UC Irvine twice. The Warriors came out 1-3 after that road trip. This season they will play Stanford twice and Pacific twice. An easier match-up compared to last year but every match is difficult when you are on the road.

Every match counts this season for the Warriors because now Cal Baptist can compete for the post season tournament. Hawaii made the tournament with a one win lead over Cal State Northridge but Cal Baptist would have made it they were able to which would have ended Hawaii's chances of making the MPSF tournament.

This upcoming season, the Warriors return five out of their seven starters and gain five new players.

2014 Outrigger Invitational Revealed

Photo from Hawaii Athletics

The 2014 Outrigger Invitational tournament for the men's team was announced on the Off the Block blog today. It will be a repeat from last year with Ohio State, Penn State, and UCLA all returning. Last years tournament was filled with very entertaining matches where five out of six matches went to five sets.

Wade said he is trying to schedule matches before the Outrigger Invitational which may include some Canadian colleges. They will be exhibition matches and they are matches to help prepare for the MPSF.

Maybe one of these colleges will be the one where Stephen Maar goes. For those who don't know who Stephen Maar is, Maar was a 6'9" opposite from Aurora, Canada who made a verbal commitment to the University of Hawaii after being told he would be given a whole scholarship. A few weeks before signing, he then decommitted to stay in Canada for college. Everyone thought he would be Hawaii's next Umlauft but that never happened.

For the Outrigger Invitational, for now I predict UCLA winning it again (they won the past three years) with Hawaii in second, Penn State in third, and Ohio State in fourth.