At a discounted price of $25 apiece and with only three dozen for the entire season, the Molten Pro Touch volleyballs are a valued commodity.

"If anybody sees them around, let us know," Wilton said.

Later, he mused of tonight's rematch in the Stan Sheriff Center, "We're looking for our offense, too."

Indeed, the Warriors squandered an opportunity to upset the Waves, who are atop the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation with an 11-1 record. They have not played any non-conference matches.

The Warriors, who are 11-3 overall and 9-2 in the MPSF, could not solve the Waves' towering block. The Waves, whose average hitter is 6 feet 7, had 27.5 blocks, including eight in Game 5. Even opposite hitter John Mayer, who probably is 3 inches shorter than his published 6 feet 2, contributed six blocks.

"We've got to fix a few things offensively, of where we're going to attack the ball," Wilton said.

UH's best attackers — opposite hitter Pedro Azenha and left-side hitter Matt Bender — are safe, although they had difficulty navigating the Pepperdine block. The Waves blocked Azenha nine times, with four coming in Game 5, and rejected Bender six times.

Middle blocker Mauli'a LaBarre, UH's tallest player at 6 feet 9, was blocked four times.

"They kind of got after Mau," Wilton said. "I think Mau will get back on track."

Wilton said he might tinker with the lineup. On Wednesday, outside hitter Lauri Hakala was lifted after committing four errors in seven swings. Although José José Delgado provided points on swings from the back row, he finished hitting .200. Neither passed exceptionally, limiting setter Brian Beckwith's options.

Wilton has not decided on a starter at that second outside position, which receives about half of the serves. Wilton said Matt Carere, a second-year player from Canada, might challenge Hakala and Delgado.

Carere has appeared in three games, all as a designated server. He has not attempted a kill.

Carere was in the running for a starting berth before aggravating a back injury during training camp. He is fully healed.

Wilton also said he hopes the Warriors will improve their defense, particularly their read blocking. On Wednesday, the Warriors often chased a potential attacker instead of staying put.

"You need a blocker to be there and take something away," Wilton said. "We were chasing hitters. If you're flying — and we were flying — you create gaps. We have to be disciplined with our blocking."

NOTE

Pepperdine's Tom Hulse was pictured hitting the volleyball in yesterday's Advertiser. Jacob Schkud, who was identified as the player striking the ball, is a member of the Hawai'i team.