Shoji able to dig deep into his roster

By Ann Miller
Advertiser Staff Writer

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Aston I mua Challenge Where: Stan Sheriff Center Schedule: Today 5 p.m., Washington (3-0) vs. San Diego State (2-1) 7, No. 4 Hawai'i (3-0) vs. San Francisco (2-2) Tomorrow 5 p.m., San Francisco vs. Washington 7, Hawai'i vs. San Diego State Saturday 5 p.m., San Diego State vs. San Francisco 7, Hawai'i vs. Washington TV: KFVE (5) will broadcast Hawai'i matches Radio: 1420 AM will broadcast Hawai'i matches Admission: Lower bowl $12-14, upper $9-11 adults, $8-9 senior citizens, $5-6 students. Parking is $3

University of Hawai'i All-Americans Kim Willoughby and Lily Kahumoku have the left side locked up and still the Rainbow Wahine are a dozen deep by the looks of the season-opening Hawaiian Airlines Classic. As UH coach Dave Shoji shuffled players through three opening victories there was never a dramatic drop-off. Clearly, the difference between the starters and near-starters is nearly negligible.

"They're solid, at least nine or 10 deep," Colorado coach Pi'i Aiu said. "He's going to need that. It's a long season. If you play in December, the fresher you are the more chances you have."

This is as deep a team as Hawai'i has ever had, admits Shoji, in his 28th year. He didn't expect 6-foot-2 freshman Susie Boogard to be so comfortable so soon in college. He didn't know until a couple months ago that Karin Lundqvist was transferring here, giving him four middles and freeing Nohea Tano to move outside.

With eight all-Western Athletic Conference players constantly pushed and pushing, Hawai'i basically has two teams any WAC opponent would covet. It makes for brutal scrimmages, which are crucial when ranked opponents appear only at the beginning and end of the season. It also eases injury anxiety and allows Shoji more mid-match options.

It can also cause playing-time turmoil. That subject has already been broached.

"We've talked about being a team and everybody living with the decisions I have to make," Shoji says. "I don't expect them to be happy about less playing time, but they certainly have to support us."

As a role model, he points to senior Jennifer Carey, an all-conference setter her first two seasons who lost her starting position to Margaret Vakasausau early last year.

"I don't think we could have asked Jen to handle it any better than she has," Shoji says. "A lot of times I don't know what's going through her head, but she comes to practice and goes hard. I don't see any outward sign of her being down or negative. And she really has improved her game.

"We know what we have and it's not a matter of someone beating out somebody anymore. Jen and Margaret will both play. They're both reliable. They both have qualities that make them special."

They are not alone. A look at who is in, and who is nearly in, according to Shoji:

SETTER

Margaret Vakasausau starts based on her ability to set the outside — Hawai'i's greatest weapon — "as well as anybody we've ever had." She also gets to more balls than most and often transforms digs into assists. Jen Carey's trajectory on the outside set is not as "hittable" but she is taller and a gifted blocker — the reason she often subs in the front row. She can also save balls close to the net that usually would be lost points.

MIDDLE BLOCKER

Maja Gustin is an offensive force, always wanting the ball and usually blasting it. She also has a wicked serve. Lauren Duggins' quickness makes her the team's best blocker and enhances the defense immeasurably. She's also added "pop" to her offense and has exceptional ballhandling skills. Karin Lundqvist might offer the "most complete package" and is just beginning to feel comfortable here. Melody Eckmier needs to work on her technique, but is the most powerful and offers extras in the form of good hands, which could allow her to play opposite the setter (right side), and a deceptive serve.

RIGHT SIDE

Nohea Tano earned this position based on "over-achieving" last season, a brilliant preseason and her presence as a "calming influence." To keep it, she'll need to block better and improve already solid ballhandling skills. Susie Boogard can be an intimidating blocker — the key on the right side — and hits with "heat." She is also surprisingly agile.

LIBERO

Melissa Villaroman's passing can be close to perfection and this new position allows her to take the first ball in five or six rotations. She is also remarkably consistent. Hedder Ilustre is close behind and "brings energy every time she steps on the court." If she is not the libero, she will still see extensive time as a back-row substitute