The Warriors (2-1) finished second in last week's season-opening Outrigger Invitational. Defending national Brigham Young (3-0), which defeated UH in the tournament final, is ranked No. 1.

"I guess that's what people think," UH coach Mike Wilton said of the Warriors' ranking. Wilton is one of 15 pollsters.

"I don't really know," he added. "I know we were really even with BYU until 12-10 in the fourth (game). If they're (No.) 1 and we're (No.) 6, it's close in between."

UCLA is second, followed by Pepperdine, Cal State Northridge and Long Beach State.

UH competes against an alumni team Friday. The Warriors open their Mountain Pacific Sports Federation season against Northridge Jan. 19 in the Stan Sheriff Center.

Wilton said there is a chance middle blocker Delano Thomas, who is trying to complete outstanding school work, will be available for that match. Thomas is allowed to practice but not compete in matches.

"In my view, he's clearly the best middle attacker in the country," Wilton said. "You saw what he was doing in (yesterday's) practice. It was like, 'I'm the 800-pound gorilla and I'll hit it where I want and there's nothing you can do about it.' He's a good player."