Warriors' Zimet nursing sore back
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
University of Hawai'i volleyball player Eyal Zimet has a sore back and is expected to miss tonight's match against Stanford.
• WHO: Stanford vs. Hawai'i • WHEN: Today, 7 p.m. • WHERE: Stan Sheriff Center • TV/RADIO: Live on K5 and 1420-AM
Zimet, who is the team captain and best perimeter passer, left in the third game of Wednesday's match against the Cardinal after complaining of pain in his lower back. Michelle Landis, UH's athletic trainer, said Zimet has nonspecific back pain compounded by back spasms. Zimet did not practice yesterday.
UH men's volleyball
"You know he's in pain because he usually sucks it up," outside hitter Costas Theocharidis said. "When he's hurting, he's really hurting."
Zimet did not disclose his condition to the coaches until Wednesday's match, when Wilton asked Zimet if he could move from opposite hitter to libero, the back-row defensive specialist.
Wilton said Zimet is courageous "to a fault. He should have said something about this."
Zimet, who was a member of the Israeli Army, said, "I don't believe in pain."
Wilton said Zimet will not be included in the 12-player active roster for tonight's match. "I don't think he does anything (volleyball related) until Monday, that's my guess," Wilton said.
Freshman Pedro Azenha of Brazil is poised to make his first career start at opposite hitter. He was ineligible for UH's first four matches because of his participation in an international tournament, but he played in an exhibition against Shanghai Oriental last Saturday and replaced Zimet in Wednesday's match.
"I'm ready for it," the 6-foot-5 Azenha said. "I know Eyal is very important to the team, but I think we have 12 players who can play. The team won't be that worse off."
Azenha has been productive in practice, and in Wednesday's match, he displayed an ability to hit over the block.
"I think I'm at 60 percent," he said, "but I think everybody is, too. Every team is. It's only the beginning of the season. I'm not worried about it. When the time comes, everybody will be better."
Wilton said middle blocker Brian Nordberg will replace Zimet on the active roster. Nordberg, who is recovering from surgery on his right shoulder, has not played this season.
"We weren't waiting for the doctor's clearance," he said. "It was more of how I felt. The shoulder feels pretty good. There's still some tenderness after I swing, but the day after, it's not sore. It feels pretty good."
Wilton, who was displeased with the team's passing Wednesday, said he is considering a change at libero. Freshman Matt Motter, who replaced junior Jake Muise at the start of the fourth game, might earn more playing time.
"I have to play as hard as I can and, hopefully, I can play as much as I can," Motter said.
