For University of Hawai‘i coach Mike Wilton, the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation men’s volleyball standings are as fluid as the weather.
"You know how this league is," Wilton said prior to the final practice before tonight’s match against third-ranked Pepperdine. "It’s like the weather. It changes from moment to moment."
For now, the fifth-ranked Warriors (11-3 overall, 6-2 in the MPSF) are atop the Pacific Division.
But the Waves, who are a perfect storm of power hitting and devastating serving, could disrupt things in a hurry.
"They’re a very good team," Wilton said. "We’re going to have to be on our game."
Punahou School graduate Scott Wong, a two-time All-America outside hitter, is the Waves’ most menacing attacker.
"He’s going to get his kills," Wilton said of the 6-foot-5 Wong, one of the Waves’ two seniors. "You have to hope to slow him down a little bit."
Wong is at his best off quick sets, and he has the discipline and accuracy to hit to all areas of the court.
"We have to stick to him," Wilton said.
The Waves (12-3, 7-3) also have an imposing block of 6-foot-8 Brad Keenan and 6-5 Chris Van Reusen. Keenan is third in the country in blocks at 1.74 per game. Van Reusen is seventh at 1.48 per game.
The Warriors counter with the rejuvenated Costas Theocharidis, who appears to be at full strength after suffering from tendinitis in his right (hitting) arm early in the season and food poisoning last month.
In the Warriors’ expanded game plan, Theocharidis receives sets at the six rotations instead of only at the front row. Last week, he had a season-high 26 kills against Stanford.
"I believe I can offer a lot to this team," said Theocharidis, a 6-foot-2 sophomore outside hitter. "I kind of like this expanded role. I feel confident (and) strong this year."
During matches, Theocharidis’ basso voice can be heard booming to freshman Kimo Tuyay, "Set me! Set me!"
"Sometimes, (Tuyay is) a little pup, so he listens to you," Theocharidis said, laughing. "But so far, it’s good for the team. When you’re fired up, you want the ball in the game. As long as I put them down, it’s good for the team."
Wilton said he still hasn’t decided between Torry Tukuafu and Tony Ching at opposite hitter. Ching, a good passer, came off the bench to lead UH in the first match against Stanford last week. Tukuafu, a superior server, led the Warriors in the Stanford rematch, and was instrumental in a comeback from a 29-24 deficit in the pulsating third game. UH swept both matches.
Wilton said the battle is a "nice problem," adding, "It’s good to have two guys who can do it."
