"I guess they love it here," Beckwith said.

Beckwith, a sophomore setter, also is at ease in his role as leader of the UH men's volleyball team.

"He's getting better and better," UH coach Mike Wilton said. "Even when he doesn't get a good pass, he'll make something happen. He's doing a nice job."

The Warriors have rotated the rotation several times because of injuries and inconsistent play. But Beckwith has provided steady leadership, even when he has to adjust to a different lineup nearly every match.

"It's my job to adjust," Beckwith said. "I really have to focus when a new guy comes in. I have to adjust to, let's say, their personal settings."

Beckwith and middle blocker Mauli'a LaBarre, who are paired in the front row for half the rotations, have formed a successful partnership on blocks and quick sets.

"It's good being able to play side by side with someone who is willing to work so hard," Beckwith said of LaBarre. "I think it shows on the court. The quality you get is based on repetition."

While the 6-foot-9 LaBarre can hammer sets as high as 11 feet, Beckwith has to lower the target for the other middles, Dionisio Dante and Kyle Klinger.

"The three middles contact the ball at different spots, so it's a little bit tougher to adjust," Beckwith said. "It just takes time and repetition in practices and matches."

Wilton said the Warriors' improved passing this season provides a larger menu of options for Beckwith.

"Our passing is significantly better," Wilton said. "It's not good when you have to keep getting new shoes for the setter because he's running down so many passes. This year, the passing is sustaining the system way more."

The Warriors should be in better health for matches against Stanford tonight and tomorrow night.

Dante, who did not play in last week's road matches against UC Irvine because of a backache, practiced without pain yesterday. "It's better, but just a little weak," said Dante, who receive massage treatments and heat packs. "I'll be all right."

Outside hitter Matt Bender also said he no longer feels discomfort in his right (swinging) shoulder.

Stanford has endured injuries to key players. Opposite hitter Ben Reddy, who missed two weeks because of a strained right knee, is expected to start. Nick Manov, who can play opposite or on the left side, also is returning from an injury.

"We've had guys banged up and out for a couple of weeks at a time," Stanford coach Don Shaw said. "At least we have some choices now. The last two weeks, I had no choices."

The Cardinal's offense is controlled by setter Kevin Hansen, a fifth-year senior.

Hansen can set high to the corner hitters or near the pin on step-out plays for the middle attackers.

"He's had a great career," Shaw said. "He's extremely quick. He can run down passes all over the place. He's been an outstanding leader."