Volleyball sweep gives UH conference playoff berth

Advertiser Staff

In the chill of the night, the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team iced a postseason berth with a 30-23, 30-23, 30-20 victory over Cal State Northridge in the Matadome.

With eight matches remaining in the regular season, the Warriors improved to 15-4 overall and 12-2 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, clinching a berth in the league playoffs.

"That's nice, but our main goal is to be the top seed in the tournament," UH middle blocker Brian Nordberg said. "We have more work to do."

The Matadome seemed like an igloo last night. The doors were kept open the entire match, allowing cool breezes (it was 45 degrees outside) to swirl in the gym. UH assistant coaches Tino Reyes and Aaron Wilton wore jackets during the match.

"Once things started, we were fine," UH coach Mike Wilton said. "We warmed up quickly."

The Warriors dominated from the inside-out. Middle hitter Dejan Miladinovic had one block solo and assisted on 11 blocks.

"Dejan blocked like a mad man," Nordberg said. "It was nuts."

UH finished with 20 blocks, its second highest since rally scoring was implemented last year.

The Warriors' precise serves led to the Matadors' predictable sets. Nearly every Northridge swing was challenged.

"Our team made some nice reads," Wilton said. "We got a little more used to their tendencies."

Costas Theocharidis led the Warriors with 17 kills.

The Warriors return to Honolulu today, then leave Wednesday morning for two important matches against second-place Pepperdine.

After that, the Warriors play their final six regular-season matches at home.

"Every match is big," Wilton said.