Warriors middle hitters West and Holt thriving in Wade’s offense

Hawaii’s volleyball season is two matches old, but there are hints that the middle-age period might be approaching.

Middle hitters Nick West and Davis Holt were two of the bright spots during the Warriors’ two recent road matches — both losses — against Brigham Young. They are expected to be key contributors during the three-night Outrigger Hotels Invitational that begins Thursday. UH opens against Ohio State at 7 p.m. UCLA and Penn State play in the 4 p.m. match.

The pin hitters were the focus in Charlie Wade’s first three seasons as UH head coach.

In the second BYU match, West had nine kills and Holt had five kills without an error in seven swings. That forced the Warriors to change their strategy outside-in, with the directive to setter Max Wechsung to quick-feed the middles more.

"We’re trying," Wade said. "We’re working hard."

This is West’s second UH season after transferring from UC Irvine. He was best known for his sideburns and Stockton-styled shorts. Now he is clean-shaven, per Wade’s mandate, and is sporting a more aggressive volleyball style.

"More aggressive?" West said. "I’ll take that compliment. Everyone’s mind-set is in a really good place right now."

As for his new look, West said, "This is the year of the baby face. Everyone is looking seven years younger. We’re all back in high school."

West’s transformation occurred in the gym, weight room and dining table. This past summer, West recalled, "I stayed around and played volleyball, rehabbed my knees and ate a lot of food. I had a lot of milk and eggs."

Wade said West "really tried to buy in more. He’ll admit he came in last year and was kind of on his own. I think he realized he needed to be part of something bigger. And he’s done it not only in the practice gym, but in the weight room and in the classroom. I think you’re seeing he’s a better player."

Holt was considered a project when he was recruited three years ago. He did well in club volleyball and for Maryknoll School, but was considered raw.

Still, Wade said, "He’s a 6-8 kid from Hawaii. You don’t see many of those."

Wade said that after a couple of years in the program, "he’s going to be good enough to play in the league."

Davis worked on improving his block reading, quickness and strength. He trained with former UH libero Nick Castello last summer.

"I had a long way to go," said Davis, a sophomore. "When I first came in, I really didn’t think I was Division I quality. The coaches really helped me a lot. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be the player I am now."

Wade said: "He’s a guy who worked really hard. He still needs to work on his foot speed. It’s good to see someone like him do well. Nobody in the league knew who he was (as a Maryknoll senior). He worked hard, he got stronger. There’s no pretense to him. Hard work paid off for him."