Hawai'i takes first road test

By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i women's volleyball team has so far surpassed expectations on the young season by beating ranked teams, outlasting opponents in five-game matches and remaining undefeated.

Shoji

"We try not to make a big deal out about the fact that it is a conference match," Hawai'i coach Dave Shoji said. "All of our matches so far have been big. All the games count."

The No. 6 Rainbow Wahine (10-0) take their 90-match conference win streak to Fresno State (8-5, 1-1 WAC) and Nevada (7-5, 1-1), two teams also expected to contend for the WAC title. UH has a 32-0 record against the Bulldogs and is 18-1 against the Wolf Pack.

"The approach is the same, we take everybody seriously," Shoji said. "I think the other teams have been waiting for this series for a long time, knowing we didn't have Kim (Willoughby), Lily (Kahumoku), Maya (Gustin), Lauren (Duggins) and (Nohea) Tano.

"I think every team really thinks they can beat us this year."

"I don't think we can really prepare to play a game on the road other than to prepare like we do when we're home," Shoji said. "Practice at the same time and eat at the same time, and don't make a big deal about where we're playing."

Fresno State is led by 5-foot-11 senior outside hitter Kristen Fenton, an honorable mention All-American last year and the 2004 WAC Preseason Player of the Year — the first non-Rainbow to earn the honor. She averages 4.63 kills per game.

"They definitely have some weapons that are very strong, and they have two left sides (Fenton and freshman Christianna Reneau) that will give us some problems," Shoji said. "We have some problems stopping the left side, so that's going to be a challenge."

He said Nevada will offer a different challenge, particularly in 5-foot-11 middle blocker Salaia Salave'a, who averages 5.25 kills and 1.38 blocks per game.

"They are a little bigger," Shoji says, "(and) they are tough to beat in their own gym."

Shoji said the team isn't talking about playing away from home for the first time, even though all-WAC setter Kanoe Kamana'o is the only Rainbow with extensive experience on the road.

"I think the less said about the road, the better," Shoji said. "Everybody makes it a big deal and everyone has a built-in excuse for not playing well, and we don't have an excuse for not playing well.

"If they are going to beat us, they're going to have to earn it."

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2457.