Thomas may return to starting lineup

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Delano Thomas, one of four University of Hawai'i volleyball players recently reinstated after serving a two-match suspension for breaking a team rule, might be back in the starting lineup for tomorrow's non-conference match against California Baptist.

In announcing their reinstatements on Monday, UH coach Mike Wilton had said Thomas, opposite hitter Pedro Azenha, outside hitter/passer Jose Jose Delgado and backup middle blocker Dionisio Dante would have to start "from scratch" on the depth chart.

Thomas, Azenha and Delgado were starters before being suspended. They have refused to disclose the violation.

Thomas, who has played outside hitter for all but one match this season, might replace ailing Mauli'a LaBarre at middle blocker. LaBarre suffered a sprained left ankle during warm-ups Monday and has not practiced since.

Yesterday, "Mau tried to go, but struggled, and we had to leave him out" of practice, UH coach Mike Wilton said.

Wilton said the 6-foot-8 LaBarre has "got to be full on physically (because) his strengths are being quick in getting up off the ground. If he's hampered doing that, he's really off his game."

If LaBarre cannot practice today, "he probably won't suit up this weekend," Wilton said.

Thomas was an All-American at middle blocker last season before moving to outside hitter during fall training camp. In this week's practices at middle, Thomas has been "pretty unstoppable, actually," Wilton said.

Thomas also practiced at left-side hitter yesterday. Left-side hitter Ryan Woodward, who replaced Thomas last week against Brigham Young, is listed as the starter at that position.

Meanwhile, Arri Jeschke, who started in place of Delgado against BYU, practiced yesterday for the first time this week. Jeschke suffered a bruised left foot when he tripped while warming up before Saturday's match against BYU. He played in that match, but was on crutches Monday and did not practice Tuesday.

"The trainer fixed him up, got after him a little bit and he got out on the court and did fine," Wilton said. "He looked pretty good."

Barring further problems with his left foot, Jeschke will start against California Baptist tomorrow night.

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