Proceeds from the "Tony Ching Fundraiser," set for tomorrow night in the Stan Sheriff Center, will help offset the medical costs incurred from Ching's moped accident last May. Ching was covered under his mother's medical insurance, but the plan did not completely pay for the operation to alleviate bleeding in his skull, the two weeks in intensive care and his rehabilitation.

"We're happy to be a part of this," UH coach Mike Wilton said of the athletic department's role as event host.

But Wilton said, "I think we have a nice team. I know this: we're working real hard. I've always believed when you have some talent and work hard, good things are going to happen."

Wilton said sophomore Pedro Azenha is poised to replace Theocharidis, the program's career kill leader, at opposite. "He's been excellent," Wilton said.

Third-year sophomore Jose Delgado, who redshirted last season after being a part-time starter in 2002, is set at one of the outside positions. Ryan Woodward, Arri Jeschke and newcomer Matt Carrerre will compete for the other. Carrerre, a 6-foot-5 junior from Canada, has three years to play two seasons.

Brock Hutchins of Arizona and Kimball Taylor of Utah also are in the mix.

Matt Motter, who left the program to concentrate on academics, is attending Kapi'olani Community College. He is expected to enroll at UH in January and then redshirt this season. Motter can play outside hitter, libero and setter.

Junior Daniel Rasay and freshman Bryan Beckwith, a member of the Junior National team, are competing against Tuyay at setter. If Tuyay were healthy and "we were to play a match tonight, I wouldn't know who to start," Wilton said.

There also is three-man battle at libero among Jake Muise, Eric Kalima and Alfred Reft, who transferred from UC Santa Barbara. Brian Villaroman, the younger brother of Rainbow Wahine player Melissa Villaroman, will redshirt this season.

Wilton said the Warriors are deep at middle blocker, with four competing for the two positions. Maulia LaBarre, who went on a church mission to Russia following his freshman season in 2001, is back.

"Right now, he's our best blocker," Wilton said. "He's really upgraded his game. He's even giving (All-American) Delano (Thomas) a hard time. He'll make Delano a better volleyball player."

Dio Dante, who redshirted last season, and 6-10 Joshua Stanhiser are in the rotation at middle blocker.

The Warriors will close fall training with exhibition matches against George Mason Nov. 19 in the Stan Sheriff Center, Nov. 20 in Hilo, Nov. 21 on Maui and Nov. 21 at Moloka'i High.