Warrior volleyball team opens 4-island exhibition
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
The University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team will unveil a surprisingly different lineup for tonight's exhibition match against George Mason University in the Stan Sheriff Center.
• What: Hawai'i vs. George Mason • Where: Stan Sheriff Center • When: Today, 7 p.m. • Admission: Free
This is the opener of UH's four-matches-on-four-islands Fall Preview Tour, which runs through Saturday.
MEN'S EXHIBITION
With third-year sophomore Jose Delgado unavailable for six to 10 weeks because of a back injury, All-America middle blocker Delano Thomas will open at left-side hitter tonight.
UH coach Mike Wilton said he does not believe Thomas has had previous experience as an outside hitter, although "he's playing it like he has."
In the practices since last Tuesday, when Delgado suffered his injury, the 6-foot-7 Thomas has been the Warriors' leading hitter. "We're going to explore this for all it's worth," Wilton said.
Wilton said senior Arri Jeschke, who is optimistically listed at 6 feet 2, will start at the other outside position, and sophomore Pedro Azenha will open at opposite hitter.
Maulia LaBarre will start at one middle position, with Joshua Stanhiser and Dio Dante competing for the other. Alfred Reft, a transfer from UC Santa Barbara, is the libero.
After several meetings among the coaches, it was decided that freshman Brian Beckwith will start at setter. By playing in a fall exhibition, Beckwith will forfeit his chance to redshirt during the coming season.
Entering fall training, Kimo Tuyay, who started the last three seasons, and Daniel Rasay were atop the depth chart at setter. The plan was to redshirt Beckwith unless "he has a real legitimate chance to start," Wilton said.
Tuyay suffered a sprained ankle last month and will miss the fall matches. Even if Tuyay were healthy and the season began today, Beckwith likely would start, based on his grades during practices.
"If you practice for a month and somebody rates out on top, do you not play him?" Wilton said. "He's won the job. We're going to burn his redshirt."
Wilton said Beckwith makes accurate sets and good decisions. At 6 feet 6, Beckwith can help set up double blocks.
Note: The teams meet tomorrow at the Hilo Civic Center, Friday at Maui War Memorial, and Saturday at Moloka'i High.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051
