UH stuffs George Mason in exhibition

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

For the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team, it was a night of no-nos in the Stan Sheriff Center.

No special volleyball flooring. No "Warrior" mascot. No floor wipers.

No worries.

Despite an admittedly nervous start, the Warriors cruised to a 30-25, 30-16, 30-19 exhibition victory over George Mason in the first match of a four-island Fall Preview Tour.

The Warriors were without injured setter Kimo Tuyay and outside hitter Jose Delgado. But All-America middle blocker Delano Thomas moved to left-side hitter, helping form the largest block in the program's history. On the first rotation, the 6-foot-7 Thomas teamed with 6-8 middle blocker Maulia Labarre and 6-6 setter Brian Beckwith.

"This is our biggest team," said UH coach Mike Wilton, noting the lineup also included 6-10 middle blocker Joshua Stanhiser and 6-5 Pedro Azenha.

Playing on the left side for only the fourth day, Thomas had a hot-lukewarm performance. He easily adjusted to the long sets, but was inconsistent with his passes.

"He looked uncomfortable at the start, but he'll settle in," Wilton said.

When asked if Thomas would remain at outside hitter when the season opens in January, Wilton said, "I'd be foolish not to let him."

"It's all new to me," Thomas said. "It's just different. You have less to worry about on the block, but more to worry about on defense, digging and getting into the right position."

But Beckwith, a freshman, said Thomas is adapting quickly. "It's fun, for me, because I can set him as high as I want, and he goes up there and gets it."

Labarre, meanwhile, has assumed the leadership role in the middle. Despite missing the past two seasons while on a 14-month church mission in Russia, Labarre has developed into a confident and aggressive blocker. Last night, he was credited with eight blocks, including four solo rejections. Official statistics were not recorded.

Wilton said Beckwith also had a solid outing, assisting on blocks and distributing the offense. Beckwith, who was a member of the U.S. National Youth team last summer, was supposed to redshirt this season. Those plans were scrapped after he played well in fall training camp. By playing last night, he forfeits a chance to redshirt in 2004.

Wilton also said Alfred Reft, a transfer from UC Santa Barbara, is the leading candidate to open at libero.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.