University of Hawai'i men's volleyball coach Mike Wilton admits to struggling with the mathematical dilemma of having too many players for too few spots this coming season.

"Emotionally, it's hard," said Wilton, whose team opens training camp tomorrow in preparation for Friday's match against the alumni.

"We've had situations where we've had to cut people who have been here and contributed for three years, and cut them during their senior year," he added. "It's been tough."

Because of NCAA and school rules, UH is limited to the equivalent of 4.5 scholarships, 12 players on the active roster and up to 19 on the overall roster.

One of the top recruits, outside hitter Matt Carere, is redshirting, and three players who have started extensively in the past — libero Jake Muise and setters Kimo Tuyay and Daniel Rasay — are battling for berths on the active roster.

"I don't know if there can be much more of a painful situation for me as a coach to have to make that kind of a decision for a guy who's been in your program and behaved in an admirable manner and done everything and more you can ask of him," Wilton said. "I guess it goes back to that old saying that 'sports is a meritocracy,' and it is. That's something you never forget. ... You have to play the person who does the best job, and it doesn't matter whether they're a freshman or a senior in college. You have to play the person who makes the team the best."

Here's a position by position look, with projected starters in bold:

Setter

BRIAN BECKWITH

Outlook: Beckwith, the tallest setter in UH history, enters training camp at No. 1. Beckwith will boost the Warriors' perimeter block, as well as provide a threat on offense with dump shots. Wilton said Beckwith's height is an advantage. "You want to set your offense as high as possible," Wilton said. "That means it's going to be fast. If you have a big ol' guy setting, he's already up there."

Tuyay, who started the previous three seasons, missed most of fall camp because of a badly sprained ankle. Wilton said only two setters will suit up for each match.

Outside hitter

DELANO THOMAS

Outlook: Thomas, an All-America middle blocker, made the rare move to the left side after it was feared Jose Delgado's back injury would require extensive rehabilitation. Delgado is back, at the other outside position, but Thomas has adapted quickly as a left-side hitter. The move requires Thomas to pass in certain rotation turns, play defense all of the time and adjust to blocking from the corner. But Thomas offers a ferocious swing and ability to easily hit over the block (he can touch a marker 12 feet from the ground).

"The old description they used to use was 'cannon,' and Delano has the potential to be a cannon," Wilton said. "He brings some dimensions to outside hitting that are not readily available at many institutions."

Secondary outside hitter

JOSE DELGADO

Outlook: After being a part-time starter in 2002, Delgado volunteered to redshirt last season, using the time to increase his strength and stamina. He has fully healed from the back injury, and is prepared to become a primary passer. "That guy's got game," Wilton said of Delgado. "He's a nice volleyball player. He's probably as smart a hitter as we have."

Hutchins is scheduled to redshirt. Matt Motter, a sophomore who was enrolled at Kapi'olani Community College in the fall, will play for Grossmont College (Calif.) this season.

Opposite hitter

PEDRO AZENHA

Outlook: Ailing from home sickness, Azenha announced he was quitting last season, only to be talked into staying by teammate Eyal Zimet. Azenha now appears to be comfortable in Hawai'i, as evidenced by his play in fall camp. He has emerged as the team's second-best server, behind Thomas, and is progressing as a blocker.

Middle blockers

MAULIA LABARRE

Outlook: As a freshman in 2001, LaBarre was better known as the Roosevelt High classmate of football players Chad Owens and Chad Kapanui. Back then, LaBarre weighed about 170. He then went on a 14-month church mission in Russia, returning 20 pounds heavier and more polished as a player. The coaches nicknamed him "Chairman Mau" because, as assistant coach Tino Reyes has said, his blocking is a great wall.

"We always knew he had good feet," Wilton said. "He really moves his feet well, and he's coordinated. He's quicker now, and he's really improved at read blocking. He was raw as a freshman, but he's matured a lot."

Wilton is hopeful Stanhiser also will improve as a blocker. If Stanhiser can remain in the lineup, then Thomas can stay on the left side.

Libero

ALFRED REFT

Outlook: By the middle of fall camp, it was apparent that Reft, a transfer from UC Santa Barbara, was ahead in the battle for the position of defensive specialist. For the rest of fall camp, Reft played with the first team, while Muise, last year's starter, and Kalima worked with the second team. Villaroman, the younger brother of Wahine volleyball player Melissa Villaroman, will redshirt.

While Muise and Kalima are more athletic, Reft is a superior passer who always seems to be in the right position. What's more, Wilton said Reft "is a calming influence.