No. 1 Hawai'i, No. 2 UCLA in volleyball rematch tonight

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i's Joshua Stanhiser hits over the block of UCLA's Paul Johnson in Thursday night's match. Associated Press WHO: No. 1 Hawai'i (11-2, 8-1 MPSF) vs. No. 2 UCLA (12-3, 5-2) WHEN: 7 tonight WHERE: Stan Sheriff Center TICKETS: $14 (lower bowl), $11 (upper bowl), $9 (senior citizens/upper bowl), $3 (Super Rooter/lower bowl; UH students, ages 4-18). Sold at the Stan Sheriff Center Box Office, by telephone (944-BOWS) or at: etickethawaii.com TELEVISION: K5 RADIO: KKEA, AM 1420

To UH coach Mike Wilton, "Sometimes we're our own Public Enemy No. 1."

The Warriors outlasted second-ranked UCLA in Thursday night's five-game match that was neither aesthetic nor satisfying.

"On the upside," UH libero Alfred "Alfie" Reft said of tonight's rematch, "we know we can play a lot better. At the same time, you never feel completely good about a win unless you reach your full potential, and we didn't do that."

In the opening match, the Warriors missed serves and lost track of their rotation turn. For the "first 4á games," Wilton said, "we were either tight or tentative. We were looking for ways to destroy our own momentum."

The most puzzling self-inflicted act came with UH leading 6-4 in the first-to-15 Game 5. UH floor captain José José Delgado served in middle Joshua Stanhiser's rotation turn, costing the Warriors a point. Then Reft left the court before UCLA's ensuing serve. The Warriors were penalized another point for not having the required six players on the court.

"That was really uncharacteristic of Alfie," Wilton said. '"Everyone was so flabbergasted. 'There are five guys on the court? Are you kidding me?' It was so unexpected."

Reft accepted full blame, although he said, "I honestly can't explain it. It was a mistake on my part. It was a wake-up call. I have to be focused and make sure everyone is rotating properly. It's in the job description, I guess."

The Bruins also were not at their best, giving away 29 points on attack errors and 20 on service errors. Opposite hitter Steve Klosterman, one of the nation's best freshmen, made seven errors in his first 15 kills and was lifted for good in the middle of Game 2.

In a two-match series, Reft said, "the second night is always tougher. You know UCLA is going to come out full throttle. The second night will be harder, but it's a good test of character for the team. Thus far, we've done OK. They're a great team, and I give them a lot of credit, but we're also a good team. We've trained hard for this."

But the Warriors might not be whole. Outside hitters Matt Bender and Arri Jeschke are suffering from viral infections. Bender did not practice yesterday; Jeschke missed Thursday's match and spent yesterday at home.

Both are valued as serving specialists. On Thursday, the Warriors scored points on six of Bender's 11 serves. Wilton said he would have used Jeschke as a server in place of middle blocker Mauli'a LaBarre, who was inconsistent with his jump floaters.

"His serve was nothing," Wilton said. "That's the deal with the jump float. It's like the knuckleball in baseball. When it's good, it's good. When it's bad, it's bad."

Each team is allowed to suit up 12 players for Mountain Pacific Sports Federation matches. Backup libero Jake Muise was the Warriors' 12th player on Thursday. Wilton said he likely would activate reserve setter Daniel Rasay if Bender is not available.

UCLA coach Al Scates also must decide between Klosterman and left-handed Marcin Jagoda, who had 13 kills in the opener.

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