Hawai'i brings unbeaten MPSF record to Pacific
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
It was cold and damp, a typical day in Stockton, Calif., but the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team remained upbeat.
The fourth-ranked Warriors have been in a good mood following consecutive road victories over second-ranked Stanford this week — a surprising sweep that boosted them to 5-2 overall and 2-0 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
In preparation for tonight's match against host Pacific (2-5, 1-4 MPSF), the Warriors did not mind practicing in what UH coach Mike Wilton described as "the world's smallest gym. We think it was a racquetball court with a volleyball net in there."
The difference between the practice court and the 6,150-seat Spanos Center is as great as the difference between the Pacific team of today and the one of two weeks ago. The suspension of four starters and outside hitter Martin Berntsen's visa problems contributed largely to the Tigers' poor start.
But those problems have been resolved, and Wilton said, "They're ready to go. I've been telling my players these guys are real close to Stanford in experience and talent. They can play, and our players will find that out."
UH setter Kimo Tuyay said the Tigers are "scrappy. They have some pretty good jump servers."
Pacific middle blocker Sean Rodgers is an effective attacker, and Berntsen and Andrew Wachtfogel provide punch from the left side. With five Isle residents on the roster — Brian Zodrow, Jon-Paul Keb, Bryson Metz, Adam Catania and Vaughn Lorenzo — the Tigers are familiar with UH's schemes.
In the first match against Stanford, UH struggled with its passing and serves. Wilton said the Warriors spent 30 minutes working on passing yesterday.
Wilton said libero Vernon Podlewski, who struggled with his passing in recent matches, played well in the second match against Stanford. "I'm happy with the energy he brings," Wilton said.
Wilton said Brian Nordberg will start at middle blocker, although freshman Delano Thomas will receive several turns in the rotation.
"Factoring in the new players, we have a ways to go," Wilton said. "But I'm pleased with our progress. We're making nice strides. The exciting thing is we can get a lot better."
