It’s an army back there behind the 3-meter line, one that will continue Hawaii’s tradition of stellar defense.
DEPTH: 5
Hawaii’s already solid backcourt — with returning juniors Savanah Kahakai, Clare-Marie Anderson and Gianna Guinasso and senior Katiana Ponce — bulked up with an infusion of three freshmen.
STRENGTH: 5
It’s the Power of 7 when it comes to backcourt players. Kahakai anchors Hawaii’s defense at libero, while Anderson has proved very reliable as the first-off-the-bench serving substitution. Guinasso and Ponce have played well in spot duty, and the addition of Emma Smith, Rika Okino and McKenna Ross makes vying for playing time even more competitive.
Junior Savanah Kahakai has become one of the best liberos in the country, with national team potential, according to the UH coaching staff. The Farrington High product started all 31 matches last season en route to All-Big West honorable mention honors. She tied her career high with 23 digs in helping Hawaii rally past TCU in five in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. Kahakai has been reunited with her former beach partner, junior transfer Faith Ma’afala; the pair won several junior level national titles.
Junior Clare-Marie Anderson, a UH Presidential Scholar, mostly was used as a defensive/serving specialist, but saw some action at libero. The Punahou School product, whose great-uncle was beach volleyball pioneer George “Dad” Center, was one of the most efficient servers, with just three errors in 319 attempts.
Returnees Ponce (Moanalua) and Guinasso (Huntington Beach, Calif.) will continue to push for playing time, as will a trio of invited walk-ons — Emma Smith, Rika Okino and McKenna Ross.
Emma Smith (Mira Costa, Calif.) was her league’s most valuable libero twice, as well as All-CIF in beach volleyball. Associate head coach Jeff Hall expects that the “really, really decorated player” also will have an impact with his SandBows in spring.
Rika Okino (a valedictorian at Kalani High) is another solid option in the backcourt and has been the surprise of preseason camp. She and Ponce are part of a long line of solid local defensive players.
The 5-10 Ross (Aliso Niguel, Calif.) is transitioning from outside hitter but could be a viable back-row attack option. If the need arises, she’ll be in the front row. Ross, considered one of the best athletes on the squad — “really good at everything she does,” Hall said — is the daughter of former UH football and baseball player Jason Ross. She is the younger sister of 2012 Olympic gold medal gymnast Kyla Ross and niece of former Rainbow Wahine volleyball middle Nohea Tano.
They all are Wall pieces who will take physical and special attacks effectively and consistently over the course of the season-long battles.
