Rasay may take Beckwith's spot

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team might not be at full strength for tonight's crucial road match against host Long Beach State.

Beckwith apparently suffered the knee injury in the first match of a two-match series against UC San Diego two weeks ago. Daniel Rasay started in the rematch. Beckwith played in both matches of UH's split against UC Santa Barbara last week, but he wore a flexible knee brace while warming up Monday before being told he would not be allowed to practice.

Rasay is a fifth-year senior best known for his relief appearance in helping the Warriors defeat Penn State in the semifinals of the 2002 NCAA Championships. "Danny brings a lot to the table," Wilton said. "He's a little more mobile, and he's a very good and deceptive setter."

At 6 feet 6, Beckwith is the tallest setter in UH history. He is an active blocker — he had nine in the two matches against UC Santa Barbara — and an accurate hitter. He had four kills against the Gauchos Saturday night.

Wilton said he likely will start Matt Carere at opposite hitter. Carere is competing against Jose Jose Delgado, an accurate passer but inconsistent attacker, and Lauri Hakala, who can pass and attack but has zero aces in 40 games. "Carpa diem — seize the day," Wilton said. "Hopefully, one of these guys will seize the moment."

Long Beach State has seized the momentum, winning eight of the past nine matches. The 49ers split against Brigham Young and defeated then-No. 1 Pepperdine.

UCLA or Pepperdine is positioned to win the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation's regular-season title and earn a bye until the playoff semifinals. The Nos. 2-4 seeds host opening-round matches. UH, tied for third at 12-6, needs to win three of its final four to secure a top-four finish. The 49ers are tied for fifth.

"We've played well the last couple of matches," 49ers coach Alan Knipe said. "We're definitely better."

With the departure of Scott Touzinsky, David Lee and Jeff Wootton, the 49ers entered this season needing to replace "about 4,000 (career) kills," Knipe said. "It takes some time, especially with the level of play in the MPSF."

But Knipe said the backups developed while practicing against the eventual 2004 national runner-up.

Robert Tarr, who lost his starting job after suffering an injury last year, has emerged as the 49ers' go-to hitter this season, receiving 28 percent of the sets. He averages 4.84 kills per game.

The key is Tyler Hildebrand, the nation's best setter. "He makes everyone around him better," Knipe said. "He's got a ton of great qualities about him, but one of the best things is his work ethic. He loves to compete. He's a better competitor than a setter, and he's a fabulous setter."

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