Warrior to play for U.S. volleyball team

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

U.S. juniors invite Delano Thomas. Advertiser library photo

The Junior National team will train for two weeks, then play in several international tournaments.

"It will be a good experience for him," UH coach Mike Wilton said.

Yesterday, Wilton announced that the 6-foot-7 Thomas, of Sacramento, will start in key matches against UCLA Friday and Saturday at the Stan Sheriff Center. Thomas, who missed six recent matches to focus on academics, played well in two victories over UC Irvine last weekend.

"We're going to be playing teams with a lot of size, and Delano should be able to help us," Wilton said.

Brian Nordberg, a transfer from UC Santa Barbara, will serve as the top backup for Thomas and Dejan Miladinovic.

UCLA will not be at full strength. Middle hitter Scott Morrow will not make the trip because of a leg injury. Of the three tears in Morrow's leg, UCLA coach Al Scates said, the most severe is in his quadriceps. He will not play for at least two more weeks.

Outside hitter Jonathan Acosta's availability is in question because of a torn abdominal muscle. Acosta did not play in the last four matches. He missed most of last season because of a pulled abdominal muscle.

Although Acosta will be examined this afternoon, his chances of making the trip "are not good," Scates said. "I want him healed up for the playoffs."

But Scates said reserve setter Jimmy Sepulveda, who was held out while his eligibility was examined, has been cleared to play against UH.