Rainbow Wahine welcome La. Tech

By Ann Miller
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	WHO: Hawai'i (11-0, 1-0) vs. Louisiana Tech (12-7, 0-1) WHEN: 7 tonight WHERE: Stan Sheriff Center TV/RADIO: KFVE (5) and 1420 AM will broadcast the match live

The Rainbow Wahine constructed their 11-0 record and No. 2 national ranking in the posh, ultra-partisan confines of paradise. They average more than 7,000 fans and are on their way to yet another revenue-producing season.

The Lady Techsters have driven to New Orleans, Beaumont and Denton in Texas, and Grambling and Monroe in Louisiana. There was no money for more before the 4,035-mile trip to Hawai'i for tonight's match.

There is, however, reason for optimism. Until Tech (12-7) lost to Southern Methodist and Stephen F. Austin, it had won 10 of 11. It won eight times all last season, going 0-for-the-WAC in its first try.

This year, finishing in the top eight to qualify for the Western Athletic Conference Tournament is a realistic goal. Tech has risen to No. 110 in one power ranking, ahead of SMU, UTEP, Tulsa and Boise State.

"We should be able to win some matches this year in the WAC," coach Heather Mazeitis says. "There's no reason we should have given that SMU match away. I'm not a cocky coach. That's not something I'd usually say. But physically, we have the ability this year.

"What haunts us is we have no winning tradition. We're creating everything as we go."

What Mazeitis will not create is the illusion that her team has a realistic shot at beating Hawai'i. After showing her players tape of the Rainbow Wahine — and the unique atmosphere they enjoy — Mazeitis, who admits even she has never experienced anything like it, left them with this thought:

"This is what it looks like, the real deal. You wanted to play in the big time, here you go. ... Have fun."

Tech's talent starts with setter Lia Mora and Cristine Sant'Anna. Mazeitis says Mora has the ability to make everyone around her better. Sant'Anna is among the WAC's Top 10 in hitting (.309), kills (3.67) and aces (0.56). They have taken Tech to another level. It's just not Hawai'i's level.