Warrior volleyball team move up one spot to No. 2
Advertiser Staff
The University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team ascended to No. 2 in the USA Today/American Volleyball Coaches Association top-15 poll, which was released yesterday.
After sweeping two matches from Ball State last week to extend their winning streak to four, the Warriors (6-2) received 213 points from the panel of 16 coaches.
"That's weird," UH coach Mike Wilton said of the move from No. 3 last week. "I'm not sure we did anything to make that happen. ... But there's a lot of season left. We're grateful for the opportunities to keep trying to get better. That's all that matters now."
UCLA (10-1) earned 240 points and all 16 first-place votes.
Brigham Young (7-3) is third, followed by No. 4 Pepperdine (7-2) and No. 5 Long Beach State (9-3).
The Warriors leave today for a four-match trip against Stanford and Pacific.
Their 12-player travel roster consists of setters Brian Beckwith and Kimo Tuyay; middle blockers Joshua Stanhiser, Mauli'a LaBarre and Dionisio Dante; opposite hitters Pedro Azenha and Matt Bender; left-side hitters Delano Thomas, Jose Delgado, Arri Jeschke and Ryan Woodward, and libero Alfred Reft.
Wilton said Bender has excelled in recent practices and is pushing for additional playing time. Bender is listed behind Azenha at opposite on the right side, although Azenha has played two matches on the left side. Delano Thomas is the primary left-side hitter and Jose Delgado is the top outside passer.
Wilton said if Bender, who has recovered from a sprained right wrist, can improve his passing, "he'll play more. He's just ready to get in there."
Wilton said Bender is an effective hitter, blocker and defender.
"I like his demeanor on the court," Wilton said. "He inspires people to play hard. I think he enjoys playing."
Upcoming games at Stanford (5-7, 3-5 MPSF)
• WHEN: Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. HST
• Series: Hawai'i leads the series against the Cardinal, 26-24. at Pacific (3-9, 2-6 MPSF)
At Pacific (3-9, 2-6 MPSF)
• WHEN: Monday and Tuesday, 5 p.m. HST
• Series: The Warriors hold a 22-1 all-time series record against the Pacific Tigers.
