The UC Irvine Anteaters demonstrated why they are the No. 1-ranked team in the nation.

The Anteaters defeated a flu-ridden University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team in impressive fashion, 30-28, 30-26, 30-21, last night.

The 90-minute season-opening Mountain Pacific Sports Federation match at the Bren Events Center drew a boisterous crowd of 2,370 spectators.

The Anteaters (5-0) dominated UH just as they did against their four previous opponents. UH, playing in its season opener, is 0-1.

"They're the No. 1 team in the country and they've been playing really well. We have three or four guys going through illnesses and we've only been in the gym for a week," said UH assistant coach Jason Salmeri.

"It'll take (the Warriors) a couple of games to get a feel for when they need to press and gain those points," said former UH standout Alfred Reft, who is on break from training with the Olympic team.

Hawai'i hitter Lauri Hakala, who recorded a team-best nine kills but hit .034, had a different impression when asked about his team's performance: "Like (bleep)."

The Warriors put up a good battle in the first game, never letting the Anteaters lead by more than two points.

All-America hitter Jason Jablonsky was held to four kills and four errors as the Anteaters hit .135 while the Warriors hit .125.

Each team had three blocks and in Game 2, the Warriors had 5.5 compared to Irvine's 5. The Warriors led in the beginning of Game 2, but a service error by Matt Rawson and a kill by Irvine's Jon Steller tied it at 17 and Irvine's front row began to take control.

The Warriors trailed 7-2 early in Game 3. Three straight kills by David Smith put the Anteaters ahead 11-4. Each time UH tried to narrow the gap, the Anteaters fired shots from the back row and served even tougher.

"I think coach (Mike) Wilton and I would agree that it was a little scrappy out there, it didn't feel very smooth," said Irvine head coach John Speraw. "I think it's early in the year and I don't think any team in the MPSF has really found their groove yet."

Hawai'i middle hitter Kyle Klinger had a team-best hitting percentage of .667 (five kills in six attempts with one error), while Irvine's David Smith proved to be the most flawless, finishing with 11 kills and no errors while hitting .846.

Reach Liane Yim at lyim@honoluluadvertiser.com.