UH volleyball picked second in Big West

The University of Hawaii men’s volleyball team was picked second in the inaugural Big West preseason coaches poll, released by the conference Thursday.

The Rainbow Warriors earned 32 points and two first-place votes. Long Beach State was picked to win the conference with 34 points and the other four first-place votes.

UC Irvine, Cal State Northridge, UC Santa Barbara and UC San Diego rounded out the poll.

The Big West is sponsoring men’s volleyball for the first time. The six teams were previously in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.

Last week, Hawaii was picked No. 5 in the AVCA Top 15 poll.

The Rainbow Warriors, who were 27-6 and advanced to the final four last season, open this season Jan. 4 at the Texaco Rainbow Warrior Classic.

HPU women overwhelm Douglas

Janessa Manzano scored 22 points and Alysha Marcucci added 18 as the Hawaii Pacific women’s basketball team routed Douglas (Canada) 80-44 on Thursday at Moanalua High School.

Gabriella Fotu had six blocks and Jessica Harley added five for the Sharks (6-2).

Rachel Beauchamp had 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Royals (4-3).