On a historic University of Hawai'i night complete with rainbows and Mänoa mist, Rainbow Wahine volleyball coach Dave Shoji won his 1,000th match.

Third-ranked Hawai'i ran its winning streak to 12 last night with a 25-13, 22-25, 25-21, 25-8 victory over New Mexico State, its closest pursuer in the Western Athletic Conference.

Then a Stan Sheriff Center crowd of 8,199 — largest of the season — celebrated Shoji becoming only the second Division I women's volleyball coach to reach 1,000, after UCLA's Andy Banachowski.

The win put Shoji at 1,000-175 -1 in his 35th season, with four national championships. He also runs the country's only revenue-producing collegiate volleyball program, and attracts a crowd like no one else in the sport.

"For me, the week was tough because of all the things going on and trying to plan things," Shoji said. "Now that it's over, it was a great night. The fans came out and I think they appreciated what we've done over 35 years."

When it was truly over, his team mobbed him and confetti and streamers fell from the rafters. As cameras crowded around, the fans simply stood and cheered.

His players, who came to this memorable night prepared in every imaginable way, returned to the court to smother him in silly string and put a crown on his head.

They sat on the floor during a short program where Shoji was presented with the game ball, a plaque, a flat-screen television and a proclamation from Gov. Linda Lingle making Oct. 17, 2009 "Coach Dave Shoji 1,000th Win Day." The players had signs with his picture —under more gold crowns — and stood with the crowd as Shoji was finally introduced to speak.

He started out sounding like Michelle Wie, with a series of "you know" and "likes" as he searched for words, admitting he thought it would be "bachi" to prepare a speech before his team actually won.

"God has blessed me with a great life and a great family," he finally said. "Thirty-five years ago, who could have predicted what this would be —10,000 people here tonight."

Then he grinned and looked down. "And I'm making a pretty good salary," joked the guy whose first contract in 1975 was worth $2,000. "I'm so grateful to be blessed with all this. It's unbelievable. I give credit to the Man upstairs."

New Mexico State, particularly in the second set and the end of the third, proved he was right not to prepare anything early. The Aggies (11-7, 6-2 WAC) made the 'Bows (16-2, 7-0) look bad for extended periods.

But Hawai'i never broke, behind a defense that went to wild and crazy extremes to keep the ball off the floor. That style is the essence of the game Shoji has taught for 35 years.

"The difference in Game 1 was the defense Hawai'i played," NMSU coach Mike Jordan said. "My Lord. We bombed some balls that they managed to pull back and they did it all night long. Scrambling and diving, they were just phenomenal. Those are normally kills and they just made some great plays. Their floor defense was tremendous.

"The longer the rally goes, the better team typically has the advantage. And Hawai'i is better than we are. But we really played good volleyball in stretches. They were just so good defensively. There must have been a dozen times tonight when I said 'That's a kill' and they got the ball back."

Aneli Cubi-Otineru and Kanani Danielson both had double-doubles for the 'Bows, with 15 kills apiece and a combined 29 digs. It was also a night for the UH "smalls," with backrow players Liz Ka'aihue, Stephanie Brandt and Jayme Lee a huge part of the win.

"I thought it was an exciting match," Shoji said. "Ka'aihue had a great night digging. You don't get that kind of match unless the opponent is pretty good."

Ka'aihue collected a season-high 25 digs, most of the outrageous variety. Brandt, who also had two of the team's nine aces, threw her body into the floor face-first to bring one ball back.

From the brilliance of the opening set through the struggles in the middle and the dominance in the final set, the Rainbow Wahine were on a mission.

"It was more like a fire," Ka'aihue said. "We all wanted to win it for him. He told us not to think about. Told us don't think about 'that other thing.' I think deep down we wanted to showcase ourselves so we represent him and show the fans what we could do."

Shoji spent most of his speech thanking others, from the managers and assistants over the last 35 years, to his players and the fans.

"I love you guys," he said. "I hope you come back Monday. We'll try to get you home early."

When that was over, his team put him up on their shoulders for more pictures.

"Playing in this environment," Jordan said, "it's the best environment in college volleyball, no question. I'm so glad we were here to see it. I would have liked to have pushed it off another day, but the better team won, and to see Dave honored this way is the way it should be. He deserves it."

Hawai'i plays Louisiana Tech tomorrow in a match originally scheduled for last Wednesday, until LaTech was stuck in Shreveport because of bad weather. The Techsters fell in five at San Jose State last night, as the Spartans won their first match of the season.

NOTES

Rainbowtique stores will be selling limited edition volleyballs ($35) and T-shirts ($15) commemorating Dave Shoji's 1,000th victory. Shoji will also have an autograph session at one of the Rainbowtique locations. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Rainbow Wahine volleyball program.