HPU middle blocker returns after year out

By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer

If there's one thing Susy Garbelotti learned from sitting out last volleyball season, it's that she never wants to be a coach.

"It would be so hard," said the senior middle blocker for Hawai'i Pacific. "Now I know why (our coach) has gray hairs."

Garbelotti sat out last season for a health problem she'd rather not talk about. Her hometown doctor in Brazil gave her medical clearance to play this upcoming season. Well-rested and no longer on medication, Garbelotti can't wait to suit up again.

"I'm so excited," she said. "I want to play now."

Garbelotti was a member of the 2000 national championship team, the first squad in the 20-year history of NCAA II volleyball to post an undefeated season (28-0).

She was instrumental in the Sea Warriors' win over Augustana College (South Dakota) for the title. She recorded 14 kills, 13 digs and seven blocks during the match, leading the team in the tournament with 45 kills while hitting .594.

Though the Sea Warriors won their third consecutive Pacific West Conference title last year, posting an 18-4 record (12-3 in the conference), Garbelotti's presence was noted — and missed.

HPU lost to Cal State San Bernardino in the semifinals of the NCAA II Pacific Region tournament.

"She really wanted to be there, playing," said HPU head coach Tita Ahuna. "But it was a circumstance beyond our control. (Sitting out) has made her a better person, but an even better athlete."

Garbelotti maintained a spot on the bench every home game to watch, often with envy, her teammates play the game she's so passionate about.

She cried during HPU's season-opener last year, wanting to badly to be part of the team.

But sitting on the bench gave her a different perspective.

"I could see what the team does and how I could help them," she said. "I learned to pay attention to things during the game we often forget."

Ahuna said Garbelotti hasn't lost a step.

"Being on the bench and see that different perspective has helped her really mature as a person and an athlete," Ahuna said. "I'm really looking to tap into that maturity ... She makes others better players, too. That's the plus with having her on our side."

Hawai'i Pacific only returns four players, including Garbelotti. Losing two-time All-American and conference Player of the Year Nia Tuitele has left a gaping hole at setter, one that Ahuna hopes to fill with a 5-foot-10 recruit from Arizona.

"But how do you fill Nia's shoes?" Ahuna said. "There's only one Nia Tuitele. How can I compare her to anyone else? It's just not fair. She's just phenomenal. (Her loss) hurts really bad, it hurts deep."

Basketball

• Bright stars: Eight students, four from Hawai'i schools, were named to the 2002 PacWest Academic All-Conference team for men's basketball yesterday.

Scott Prather (UH-Hilo), Brian Skinner (BYUH), Larz Stewart (HPU) and John Kirk (Chaminade) earned cumulative grade point averages above 3.30.

This week's schedule

Softball

Tomorrow

Western New Mexico at UH-Hilo, noon, UHH Softball Field

Vanguard at HPU, 2 p.m., HPU Windward Campus

Chaminade at BYUH, 2 p.m., BYUH Field

Saturday

Vanguard at Chaminade, noon, Palolo Field

Western New Mexico at UH-Hilo, noon, UHH Softball Field

HPU at BYUH, noon, BYUH Field

Monday

Western New Mexico at Chaminade, 4 p.m., Palolo Field