UH lineup remains unsettled
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
In seeking the correct mix, the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball lineup might be shaken or stirred again for tomorrow night's match against UC Santa Barbara.
WHO: No. 6 Hawai'i (15-6, 11-5 MPSF) vs. No. 5 UC Santa Barbara (13-9, 11-5) WHEN: Tomorrow and Saturday, 7:05 p.m. WHERE: Stan Sheriff Center TV: Live on KFVE RADIO: Saturday only, live on KKEA 1420
UH coach Mike Wilton said he is considering a change at setter, with fifth-year senior Daniel Rasay starting in place of sophomore Brian Beckwith. Beckwith started 20 of the Warriors' 21 matches, ceding the opening role in last week's three-game victory over UC San Diego, a Division II team that does not offer men's volleyball scholarships.
UH volleyball
Wilton has used a five-discipline scoring system to evaluate each player's performance in practices and matches. Rasay out-pointed Beckwith in Tuesday's practice to earn a berth on the first team during yesterday's 2 1/2-hour practice. The competition has "always been close," said Wilton, who will decide on a starter this morning after reviewing the past two practices.
Wilton said the point system is "science." He said the decision also should be based on "art," which he defined as emotions and chemistry.
Rasay has remained upbeat during a career in which he backed up Kimo Tuyay and then Beckwith. Wearing bright headbands and leading the cheers from the wings, Rasay is the Warriors' most animated player.
"I'm enjoying myself," Rasay said. "You have to do that in life or else you're going to be very depressed. You have to make the most of any situation. That's what I try to do."
Rasay admitted he would need to adjust to a starting role.
"It's kind of a different situation," he said. "Usually when I go in, we're either down or tied. I really don't have anything to lose. Starting from the beginning, I have to be a little more focused and not so much energized ... more composed."
Wilton also said he needs to sort the situation in the middle, where Kyle Klinger, Mauli'a LaBarre and Dionisio Dante are competing for two jobs. Klinger and Dante played on the first team yesterday.
At opposite hitter, Lauri Hakala appears to be ahead of Jose Jose Delgado, who has been weakened by flu-like symptoms, and Matt Carere. In UH's revised scheme, the opposite hitter — positioned three rotation turns from the setter — is a primary passer. Most offenses use a left-side hitter as a passer.
Outside hitter Matt Bender, who missed the past two matches because of flu-like symptoms, has rejoined the first team.
"I feel like my lungs are clearing up," Bender said. "I should be ready."
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
