VIDEO: Wahine Volleyball Setters
VIDEO: Wahine Volleyball Practice

Hawai'i's depth came out in brilliant detail at last year's Western Athletic Conference Tournament when Brandt, the 2007 starter, came in from the setting bullpen for an injured Mafua. She earned all-tournament honors a second straight year.

"I don't think everybody has a backup setter who set for a whole year and has been a starter for a whole year," UH coach Dave Shoji said after the 'Bows ran their WAC championship streak to 11 consecutive seasons. "We knew we were fortunate going in. No matter which setter was in we had a great backup setter."

Mafua was starting again in the NCAA Tournament, setting Hawai'i to .300-plus hitting in an astonishingly one-sided victory over 12th-ranked USC in La-la land. The season ended a week later in the regional final against Stanford, one of the ranked teams to invade Stan Sheriff Center when the season starts Aug. 28.

Brandt and Mafua appreciate each other more than the WAC coaches apparently do. Both have been named all-conference second team, but the fact is no WAC team could beat them, particularly in the postseason. Brandt, who transferred from UC Santa Barbara two years ago, eloquently details Mafua's attributes as a teammate that inspires. In turn, the Mid-Pacific Institute graduate praises Brandt's relentlessness.

Three days into practice, Mafua appears to again hold the edge.

Though Mafua wasn't deemed good enough for WAC first team last year, she did earn All-America honorable mention. With Mafua starting, Hawai'i's hitting percentage rose 43 points to .283 — ninth-best nationally and fourth-best in the history of the program. She was 20th nationally in assists and guided the UH attack to top-five rankings in assists and kills.

"Right now she sets a more consistent volleyball and stays in rhythm more often," UH associate coach Mike Sealy said. "She makes it easier for hitters to find their timing and their approach when the ball is being delivered at the same cadence and speed."

Sealy expects that rhythm will only improve as Mafua matures into the position. He would like to see her be more aggressive as a blocker and defender and, especially, as a leader.

Experience and leadership set Brandt apart two years ago, when she took over as starter in the first match and never sat again. Last year, she started five times with Mafua sick or injured and the Rainbow Wahine won all five, hitting .397 against Utah Valley. Brandt's versatility had her playing in every match and even hitting in a spring exhibition against Nebraska.

Her wicked float serve might be her greatest asset — along with an exceptional work ethic she and Mafua share. Even playing part-time, Brandt had 16 aces last season, to go with a team-high 40 the year before.

"She is one of the better servers in the country," Sealy said. "When we were looking at her to transfer we saw the stats and it was pretty obvious what she wasn't going to get us blocking we could get from the baseline. She would be able to score points from that aspect."

Brandt's size (5 feet 9) can be a detriment and Sealy characterizes her delivery as "a little quick." The ball has a tendency to "pop" off her hands instead of flow, hurting her location.

"It's about slowing down her release, especially in long, crazy rallies where you get revved up," Sealy said. "She needs to be in more of a meditative place in her own release."