"We were who we were last (season)," UH coach Mike Wilton said. "That was our squad. This is who we are this year."

Inconsistent passing hindered the Warriors' offense last season. This time, the Warriors have a rotation featuring three accurate passers who can cover a wide area.

"Any coach would say you want athleticism as a key ingredient," Wilton said.

Wilton said libero Alfred Reft and outside hitters Lauri Hakala and José José Delgado have been reliable in finding setter Daniel Rasay in scrimmages during fall training camp. Wilton said Matt Carere also can help out at outside hitter.

Wilton said Rasay, a fifth-year senior, is slightly ahead of 6-6 sophomore Brian Beckwith. Last season, Rasay often did not qualify for the 12-player active roster.

"I think it's maybe one of those deals where he set some goals and worked really hard," Wilton said. "He's done a good job of locating (uncontested hitters) and running an offense. His accuracy is really good. That's where he has a slight edge right now."

Wilton said only opposite hitter Matt Bender has secured a starting job. Bender is the Warriors' most consistent hitter.

"I'm thinking Bender starts all year long, no matter how things play out," Wilton said. "He's playing very well."

Jake Schkud, a 6-4 transfer from UC Santa Barbara, replaces middle blocker Delano Thomas, who is ineligible this semester. Thomas, who is allowed to practice, should be back in the lineup in January for the start of the 2005 season.

Wilton said Schkud has "a real good volleyball IQ." Wilton dismissed concerns about Schkud's height, noting he is as tall as Jason Ring, a former Warrior and All-America middle blocker.

Mauli'a LaBarre is the other middle blocker. There is no backup.

Kyle Klinger is recovering from a foot injury and won't play in the exhibitions. Dionisio Dante is suspended for an indefinite period for violating a team rule.

The series of exhibitions should help shape the roster. Wilton said he will open the 2005 season with 22 players. "We'll redshirt four or five guys," he said.

There are 15 players who do not have an available redshirt year.