In the past three months, ninth-ranked Hawai'i has hit thousands of volleyballs and dived for many more. The Rainbow Wahine have won 19 of their first 25 matches, extended their Western Athletic Conference winning streak into an eighth year and clinched their 11th consecutive conference title.

But yesterday was the first time the girls got the gym to themselves.

Head coach Dave Shoji came home after Wednesday's five-game victory at Utah State to watch sons Kawika and Erik play against each other in Thursday's state high school volleyball final. He was scheduled to rejoin the team last night.

UH plays at San Jose State (11-14, 6-7 WAC) tonight. The match will not be broadcast in Hawai'i because it conflicts with UH football.

Associate coach Charlie Wade has been recruiting in Northern California the last two days. He missed Thursday's cardio workout at 4,500 feet — a hike up the canyon behind Utah State — and yesterday's practice.

With the guys gone, ninth-year assistant Kari Ambrozich was promoted to run practice.

"Change of pace," co-captain Cayley Thurlby said, "is never a bad thing."

Thurlby and Kanoe Kamana'o, the other captain, also said little changed. Ambrozich was a bit more detail-oriented, but the intensity never wavered.

Ambrozich, a setter for Hawai'i from 1991 to '94, is the only woman on the staff, and the most approachable coach off the court for the players. That doesn't change what happens when she is in charge.

Kamana'o says there is "always a line drawn between coach and player on the court." Thurlby still calls it "common ground."

"The respect is still there," Thurlby says. "We were taking the time and really soaking in whatever it is she was telling us. With women, that might be what it takes — we have to stop and take a deep breath and that's her coaching style."

The only other compelling difference yesterday was the unusual honesty of the players during scrimmages. Shoji usually referees, and receives constant criticism from his players.

"Today it was a lot of fun," Kamana'o said. "We had to be honest on the calls because she was the only coach there — there were no other eyes. We were on the honor system. Dave makes it more of a challenge."

The 'Bows have clinched the No. 1 seed at the WAC Tournament with three matches remaining. Tonight they will play without Sarah Mason, who is third in WAC kills. She came home yesterday to get treatment for her right ankle, which she re-sprained Wednesday. Freshman Jamie Houston, who had 21 kills in Mason's absence at Utah State, will start in her place.

"It's nothing we're not used to," Thurlby said. "We're working on intensity and getting geared toward postseason play now. We're trying to turn it up a few notches and hold ourselves accountable — get on each other for effort."

Hawai'i hasn't lost to San Jose State in 12 years and has more wins over the Spartans (52) than any other team. It closes the regular season at home next week, playing second-place New Mexico State Thursday and last-place Louisiana Tech Friday.

Reach Ann Miller at amiller@honoluluadvertiser.com.