Yesterday, left-side hitter Lauri Hakala returned to practice.

Tonight, the University of Hawai'i volleyball team hopes to return to its winning ways when its hosts Pacific in the Stan Sheriff Center.

The Warriors are zip for 2007, dropping two exhibitions to British Columbia and two matches to top-ranked UC Irvine.

It is their first 0-2 NCAA start in Mike Wilton's 15 seasons as UH head coach. The slump could be traced to injuries and illnesses. The Warriors have not had 100 percent attendance this year.

Despite a persistent cough, Hakala resumed practicing yesterday. He said he has suffered from flu-like symptoms for two weeks. He skipped Tuesday's practice to undergo medical tests. The results showed he is not suffering from mononucleosis.

"They thought it might be mono because I was tired all of the time," Hakala said. "I want to play. I'm ready."

The illness comes at a time when he is readjusting to left-side attacker. He was named to the 2006 All-America first team as an opposite attacker, a position aligned mostly on the right side.

"It's new in the sense I haven't played (on the left side) in 1 1/2 years," said Hakala, a third-year senior.

Hakala switched as part of the move to stabilize the passing. Eric Kalima moved from left-side hitter to libero. Matt Vanzant is the other primary passer.

"The main thing is to pass the ball," Hakala said. "The rest will fall into place. I'm not worried about anything except winning as a team."

The Warriors had planned to rotate Dio Dante, Kyle Klinger and Matt "Dragon" Rawson at the two middle positions. But Klinger did not practice yesterday because of flu-like symptoms.

Dante and Klinger will likely start. Setter Brian Beckwith and opposite attacker Jim Clar fill out the starting rotation.

Pacific also has undergone changes this season. Garrett Morales beat out Mitchel Hazelett, a two-year starter at setter.

Matt Cornell, who moved to opposite, leads the Tigers with 4.42 kills per game.

Outside hitter Pekka Seppanen is the Tigers' best server. He also averages 4.11 kills per game.

Seppanen and Hakala, both residents of Finland, have been friends for more than 10 years. Last summer, they were beach volleyball teammates in Finland.

"We share a volleyball history," Hakala said. "We know each other pretty well. There won't be any surprises."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.