Hawai'i proves to have too many weapons for Trojans

Advertiser Staff

In sickness or in health, the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team was too much for Southern California.

For the second night in a row, the Warriors won in three games before 400 in North Gym. The scores were 30-27, 30-19, 30-26.

"The team has a lot of chemistry right now," said UH freshman outside hitter Jose Delgado, whose team improved to 12-3 overall and 9-1 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, remaining in first place. The Trojans fell to 5-15 and 2-12.

Outside hitter Eyal Zimet, who did not play Friday because of a stomach flu, declared himself fit 30 minutes before the first serve. Zimet, the team's best passer and server, had difficulty digesting food Friday night. But yesterday morning, "he had a big breakfast, watched film and got better and better," UH coach Mike Wilton said. "It was good to have him back."

Spurred by more than 300 fans waving ti leaves and chanting, "Rain ... Bows," the Warriors easily evaded USC's towering block, thanks to Kimo Tuyay's precise sets.

"He set a nice match," Wilton said. "He gave our hitters some nice swings."

Tuyay was at his best in the second game, when the Warriors hit .722 and did not commit an error in 18 swings.

Costas Theocharidis led the Warriors with 16 kills.

The Warriors return today, and Wilton said he will meet with suspended outside hitter Tony Ching this week. "We'll get this ironed out," Wilton said. "This shouldn't be a problem."