UH welcomes Texas-El Paso
By Ann Miller
Advertiser Staff Writer
In the midst of its Western Athletic Conference volleyball blitz the last six years, Hawai'i has had its share of less than scintillating successes.
The Rainbow Wahine have admitted to overconfidence. At times, as they blasted by their last 93 conference opponents, they simply appeared bored.
As fourth-ranked and unbeaten Hawai'i goes into this afternoon's WAC match against UTEP, overconfidence is suddenly a concern again. That it is even a consideration might be the ultimate compliment for this team, which has won every which way but easily.
Few anticipated overconfidence would be a problem when those seven decorated UH seniors rode into the volleyball sunset after last year's final four. Then the Baby 'Bows won their first 13 and rose up the rankings.
Perfection hasn't been pretty. Thursday's sweep of Boise State was the first match since the season opener that didn't have UH coach Dave Shoji going through endless histrionics on the bench.
Which begged the question of overconfidence. UTEP (6-8, 0-5 WAC) is hurting. UH is coming off a rare blowout and pondering next week's road trip to Ruston, La.
Shoji says it won't happen. "All we need to do is watch our film and we don't get over-confident," he insists.
This team, for all its success, is hardly good enough to win when it is overconfident. Hawai'i has been beating teams with talent, timing and heart. Almost every match has been a roller-coaster ride of good, bad and beyond belief. They haven't dominated as much as they have made the most of absolutely everyone's attributes, physical and otherwise.
"It's possible to be overconfident, but not on this team," says junior Victoria Prince. "That's one of the best things about our team. We have a good head on our shoulders and we don't become overconfident. We take every opponent seriously."
For Boise coach Scott Sandel, the most impressive thing about the 'Bows had nothing to do with technique. They have proved they take everyone seriously — and they can win.
"For the fans, you've got a young team that's had success at finding ways to do it," Sandel said. "That's got to be a great sign for Hawai'i because it means they're only going to get better."
NOTE
Senior Kristen Fenton, the coaches' pick as WAC Preseason Player of the Year, left Fresno State's team after the Hawai'i match last week for personal reasons. Fenton has averaged more than five kills a game the past 1 1/2 seasons and became the second FSU All-American last year.
Reach Ann Miller at amiller@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8043.
