"We've had emotional teams in the past," Long Beach State coach Alan Knipe said, "but that's not a big part of our game. I wouldn't classify our team as being driven by emotion."

The No. 6 Warriors, having strayed from their chest-thumping theatrics of recent seasons, became too tranquil this year, necessitating a recent lineup switch to create more enthusiasm.

All of which should help avoid a repeat of the last meeting in Hawai'i between the teams, a 2002 playoff match lowlighted by throat-slashing gestures and trash talking.

"They are a vocal team," UH opposite hitter Matt Bender said of the 49ers. "That's part of their strategy. You have to see that as their strategy and play your game."

Through yesterday's practice, the Warriors had not settled on their 12-player active roster. "Maybe we'll use jan-ken-po," UH coach Mike Wilton said.

The starting rotation also is in question because of middle blocker Mauli'a LaBarre's sprained left ankle. LaBarre said a specially crafted calf-high air cast was aggravating the sprain. Yesterday, the sore area was covered with a pad and wrapped with tape. LaBarre was able to complete practice for the first time in three days.

Wilton said there is a strong possibility LaBarre will be able to start in tonight's match. If LaBarre is unavailable, the Warriors will start second-year freshman Dionisio Dante in the middle and use opposite hitter Pedro Azenha as the backup.

For the fifth consecutive match, Bender, outside hitter Ryan Woodward and setter Kimo Tuyay will start. They are the so-called "chemistry guys," summoned as much for their energy as their skill. Of Tuyay, a co-captain, Wilton said, "I'm happy with his leadership, his setting and his exhorting."

In last Friday's match against California Baptist, Woodward played left-side hitter in place of Delano Thomas, who filled in for LaBarre. The next night, Thomas moved back to the left side, and Woodward assumed the job of outside hitter/primary passer. Woodward and libero Alfred Reft are responsible for passing the majority of opponents' jump serves and all of the float serves. "I have to pass first and hit second," Woodward said. "It takes a different adjustment."

Tuyay said Woodward has improved in passing high and away from the net. "He has his ups and downs, but that's like everyone else," Tuyay said.

Meanwhile, Thomas, an All-America middle blocker last season, has developed into a complete outside hitter. With the highest hitting zone in men's volleyball — he can touch nearly 12 feet off a standing jump — Thomas is able to hit over double blocks when he is in the front row.

He is even more effective hitting out of the back row. Volleyball rules allow a back-row player to hit any set as long as he takes off from behind the 3-meter line. With a long broad jump, Thomas can take off behind the line and make contact with sets near the net, essentially becoming an extra front-row attacker.

"He has all of that momentum coming forward, which gives him more power," Tuyay said.

"If his timing is on," Wilton said, "he's a handful."

The 49ers counter with powerful opposite hitter Scott Touzinsky and left-side hitter Jeff Wootton. Divide the back row into fifths; the second rectangle from the left is Wootton's favorite area to launch back-row shots.

Middle attacker David Lee is effective on quick sets. He averages 4.76 swings per game, a high number for a middle player.

The 49ers have clinched a berth in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation's eight-team playoffs. The top four seeds host opening-round matches, with the highest remaining seed hosting the semifinals and championship match. The MPSF tournament winner receives an automatic berth in the NCAA final four. The at-large team is expected to come from the MPSF.

With six matches remaining, UH is in a three-way tie for fourth place. Because UH has never won the MPSF tournament, it would need to finish at least third during the regular season and play well in the tournament to enhance its chances of receiving an at-large berth.

"This is the stretch drive," Tuyay said. "We have to make our move."