Warrior volleyball team moves up to No. 1
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
From last week's Road Trip to Heck, the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team brought back an omiyage of sweets, three victories and a No. 1 ranking.
The Warriors (17-4) earned the top spot in this week's Volleyball Magazine rankings, the first time they have been No. 1 since 1996, when they reached the final match of the NCAA Championship tournament.
"Being considered by somebody to be No. 1 is great recognition," UH coach Mike Wilton said. "But what matters is whoever's next (on the schedule)."
The Warriors were No. 2 last week before playing four road matches in as many nights. They swept UC Irvine and split with UCLA, the first time they had defeated the Bruins in Pauley Pavilion since 1983, a span of 13 matches. Wilton said the Warriors fulfilled their preseason goal of going at least 3-1 on the trip.
"That was definitely a successful trip," Wilton said.
The USA Today/AVCA poll, which is voted on by Division I coaches, will be announced today. UH was No. 2 last week.
Wilton scheduled an "optional" weightlifting session for his players yesterday afternoon. He said there is a mandatory weightlifting session today, although an afternoon practice is "optional."
The Warriors play two exhibitions against Alberta this weekend, then face Brigham Young April 13-14 in Provo, Utah. The series against BYU will likely determine the No. 1 seed for the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation playoffs.
UH is in first place in the MPSF's Pacific Division; BYU is atop the Mountain Division. The No. 1 seed has the home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Wilton said the Warriors are at full strength for the first time this season. Outside hitter Tony Ching has recovered from a deep gash in his left forearm that was sustained in a mo-ped accident.
"Tony is fine," Wilton said. "He just needs practice reps."
Outside hitter Eyal Zimet, the team's best server and an accurate passer, still has a small stress fracture in his left shin. But Zimet had his best match of the season in the comeback victory over UC Irvine last Saturday night.
"He was so good for us," Wilton said.
