Zarkovic works overtime to get better

Know the guy who asks the teacher for more homework?

That guy was Hawaii volleyball player Sinisa Zarkovic this week.

Thirty minutes after a recent practice ended, Zarkovic was staging his version of Occupy Manoa, refusing to leave UH’s Gym I.

In the volleyball equivalent of a give-and-go play, Zarkovic would pass to setter Joby Ramos, then whack the ensuing set. Each time, Zarkovic demanded a higher set, ever mindful that tonight’s opponent — second-ranked Pepperdine — has one of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation’s tallest blocks.

"It’s never enough," Zarkovic said of his workouts. "I have to put in good efforts to become better. I wanted to use the extra time to improve."

Zarkovic has been one of the bright spots in a season that is entering a fourth weekend.

The Warriors are 1-6 overall and 0-4 in the MPSF, with those four league matches on the road — two at Brigham Young, two at Long Beach State.

Consistency and health have been the concerns. Max Wechsung, a co-captain and the starting setter in the first four matches, has been bothered by a shoulder injury. Ramos, a Roosevelt High graduate who previously played at Pacific, has started the past three matches at setter.

At 6-foot-6, Wechsung is a half-foot taller than Ramos. The Warriors have tweaked the rotation to minimize the number of turns Ramos is needed as a blocker.

"It’s not like he’s 5-4," UH coach Charlie Wade said of Ramos. "He can jump up there and touch some (shots)."

Ramos is an agile choreographer and is particularly skilled on back sets. That has benefitted opposite attacker JP Marks, who is on the right side on five of six rotation turns. Ramos also has been forced to assume the on-court leadership role.

"My court presence, my leadership, those are the things I’m working on the most, other than my setting," Ramos said. "The coaches are helping me out. The other guys are helping me out."

Zarkovic has emerged as a consistent left-side hitter. Brooke Sedore, who has been used mostly as a serving specialist, might get extending playing time at the second left-side position.

Sedore had a run of 10 consecutive serves during a turn against Long Beach State last weekend.

"We’re trying to find ways to get into the game so he has three chances to serve instead of one (each set)," Wade said. "His serve is a weapon, no question."

Sedore has been effective hitting quick sets out of the back row. The option to spread the offense — Marks has improved on swings from the back right — will be useful when the Warriors face Pepperdine’s tall and active block.

The Waves have a diverse offense led by Maurice Torres and Josh Taylor.

"They’ve got some weapons," Wade said. "They’re really clicking offensively. The setter (Matt West) is really talented. He’s doing a nice job. This is a good team, no question. They’re one of the best (MPSF) teams this year."