Warriors will shuffle lineup again

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team is contemplating its fifth different starting lineup in three weeks for Thursday's road match against Pepperdine.

During yesterday's 2 1/2-hour practice, senior Jake Muise replaced sophomore libero Alfred "Alfie" Reft, who has started every match this season, and Pedro Azenha played in place of outside hitter/primary passer Ryan Woodward.

"I want some change," said UH coach Mike Wilton, referring to the 3-5 record during the recently completed month-long homestand. "I want us to play good. That's all I want."

If Cal State Northridge loses two matches this week and UH sweeps Pepperdine Thursday and Friday, the Warriors would finish fourth in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. The top four finishers host opening-round matches in the eight-team MPSF playoffs.

Wilton said Azenha, who opened the season at opposite hitter and played left-side hitter last week, has earned a spot in the lineup. If Azenha is at left-side hitter, then Woodward will start at outside hitter/primary passer. If Azenha is the primary passer, then Delano Thomas, an All-America middle blocker last season, opens at left-side hitter.

Azenha said he is confident he can handle the extra passing. "I've passed before," he said. "I'm OK."

Wilton is prepared to turn to Muise, who started last season but was not on the 12-player active roster most of this season. "He brings some good emotional stuff," Wilton said. "It's nothing against Alfie."

Muise said: "If that's what coach chooses for me to help the team out, I'll do that. That's fine. This is by no means a hit on Alfie. Alfie is a great player. Alfie will be the best libero who will ever come through Hawai'i. Guaranteed. Maybe (Wilton is) looking for a little more experience and little more fire."

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