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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, March 16, 2002

'Bows can clinch spot in playoffs with win tonight

Advertiser Staff

The University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team overcame a tall challenge to produce a 30-22, 27-30, 30-21, 30-23 victory over host Cal State Northridge last night in the Matadome.

The Matadors' lineup included 6-foot-10 opposite hitter Eckhard Walter and 6-7 outside hitter Joe Nargi. "And they don't shrink during the match," said UH coach Mike Wilton said, whose team does not have a starting outside hitter taller than 6-3.

While Nargi and outside hitter Nils Nielsen swung efficiently, Walter, who receives up to 60 percent of the sets when he plays in the front row, was neutralized by the Warriors' crafty block.

UH kept its block tight and low because Walter does not hit high shots. Walter had 20 kills, but committed 15 errors and was blocked seven times, including solo stops by Jose Delgado and Costas Theocharidis.

"We keyed on him," Wilton said. "He's a good hitter. He can really bring it."

When the Matadors tried to set the quick hitters, Wilton said, "we would bring our wing hitter over (to the middle) to help." Northridge middle blocker Stan Douglas had three errors and was banished to the bench in the second game.

"I'm not going to say we played great, because we didn't, but we answered the gauntlet thrown down after the second game," Wilton said. "When you're a smaller team like us, these enduring tests can be taxing. We have to jump more, and we're burning more fuel. But we figured out a way to win."

The Warriors (14-4, 11-2 in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) can clinch a playoff berth by winning tonight's rematch.