"I think we thrive on going on road trips," UH libero Alfred Reft said. "It seems we step it up another level."

In Mike Wilton's previous 12 seasons as UH's head coach, the Warriors are 71-42 in road matches (.628 winning percentage), including 25-9 (.735) in the past five years.

The Warriors, who have led the nation in home attendance the past 11 years, say they are not intimidated playing on the road.

"We're used to big crowds," UH outside hitter Matt Bender said. "When we go on the road, there are fewer people at our (matches). The pressure is off. We actually feel comfortable on the road."

Reft said the Warriors have fewer distractions on the road. The players spend their time practicing or studying. For each trip, Wilton schedules recreation time to encourage his players to enjoy themselves at a mall or amusement park.

"We're really focused on the road," Reft said. "We know what we have to do. That makes for a pretty good road team. Besides, we travel a long way to play. It's not like we're going to take a five-hour trip to lose in three (games)."

UH setter Brian Beckwith said: "One of the worst flights home is the five hours after a loss. Nobody likes that. That's motivation."

Thomas remains out

Once again, the Warriors will be without middle blocker Delano Thomas, who is close to completing outstanding school work needed to rejoin the team.

Thomas, an All-America middle blocker in 2003, has not played in a match this season. Because school is in session, he is not allowed to practice with the Warriors, although he may attend classes and receive financial aid. It is hoped Thomas will return for next week's matches against Stanford.

Warriors hold at No. 4

Despite last week's two-match sweep of Cal State Northridge, the Warriors remain No. 4 in this week's USA Today/CSTV top-15 poll. UCLA is No. 1 for the second week in a row.

"It's not that bad," Wilton said of the ranking. "It's so early still. It doesn't mean much, I don't think."

Pepperdine ascended one place, to No. 2, following Brigham Young's split with UC Santa Barbara. BYU is No. 3 this week.