SPORTS
Warriors volleyball among MPSF elite
by Russell Camara

Another year, another season of contention for the University of Hawai‘i volleyball team.

Despite losing two-time national player of the year Costas Theocharidis and first-team All-American Tony Ching, the Warriors find themselves among the elite of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.

At press time, Hawai‘i (14-8,10-6) was in fourth place in the MPSF, behind BYU, UC-Santa Barbara and UCLA. The Warriors were also ranked sixth in the USA Today/AVCA Coaches Top 15 Poll.

There have been many noteworthy moments this season for the Warriors, including a stint as the top-ranked team in the nation. Hawai‘i also was victorious in an epic five-game battle with traditional nemesis UCLA.

Much of Hawai‘i’s success this season can be attributed to players who, prior to this year, had little experience at the Division I level.

“We’re a young team,” said coach Mike Wilton. “For many, it’s their first time playing in this league, and that’s a big challenge.”

Maulia LaBarre, after a two-year hiatus from volleyball, has proven to be an effective middle blocker. Against Stanford, LaBarre hit a perfect 1.000, setting a new Warrior record with 11 kills in 11 attempts. LaBarre also ranks second in the MPSF in blocking with an average of 1.50 per game.

Freshman setter Brian Beckwith, another newcomer, beat out senior Kimo Tuyay, twice selected two-time all-MPSF honorable mention, for a spot in the starting lineup. Beckwith had 71 assists in an early-season victory over defending national champion Lewis.

Outside hitters Pedro Azenha and Delano Thomas have performed at a superior level. Thomas leads the conference in service aces while Azenha is second. Overall, Hawai‘i leads the conference in that category.

Also, Middle blocker Josh Stanhiser has taken his game to another level. The senior form Loma Linda, California has hit .512 this season, good enough for tops in the MPSF.
In addition, the Warriors boast extraordinary depth. Perhaps no better proof existed than the series against No.1 BYU.

With Azenha, Thomas, Delgado and reserve outside hitter Dio Dante suspended for violating a team rule, Ryan Woodward and Arri Jeschke were forced to make their first collegiate starts. Hawai‘i appeared vastly overmatched in comparison to the 15-3 Cougars.

However, the Warriors refused to back down, taking BYU to the limit both nights. Hawai‘i lost the first match 30-25, 30-25, 28-30, 30-27, as reserve Matt Bender led the way with 23 kills.

During the second match, Hawai‘i won the first two games 30-24 and 30-23 before succumbing to the more talented Cougars, losing the last three games. The trio of Bender, Woodward, and Jeschke had 23, 11, and 11 kills respectively.

Bender and Woodward played so well that they have displaced Azenha and Delgado from the starting lineup. Bender hit a season-high .500 against Cal Baptist on March 27. Woodward also chipped in with a career-high 18 kills. Tuyay also regained his starting spot when Beckwith missed time due to an illness.

Tuyay’s re-emergence gives the Warriors quality depth at setter as he closes in on becoming Hawai‘i’s all-time assists leader.

Wilton described his team’s performance against BYU as the “two highlights” of the season.

“I liked the spirit, fire and enthusiasm they displayed on the court,” he said.

Hawai‘i will need to deliver some of that same fire and determination as they enter the twilight of the regular season

A road trip to powerhouse Pepperdine looms this week, as well as the MPSF Tournament. Hopefully, the season will culminate for the Warriors at home, as Hawai‘i hosts the Final Four this year. riors hope to regain some of the cohesion that marked their early season success.

“We need to get everybody on the same page,” said Wilton. “If we do that, then we can have a wonderful finish to what’s been a pretty good year.”