Zarkovic strengthens his mental approach

University of Hawaii setter Jennings Franciskovic is a volleyball mixologist who can accommodate any request.

Even with all the options, outside hitter Siki Zarkovic usually orders "the usual."

Despite not being fully healed from a high-ankle sprain, Zarkovic requested high-placed sets in last weekend’s road matches against Long Beach State.

"Honestly, he told me to set him the way I usually would," Franciskovic said. "He’s going to find ways to get kills. He’s so smart about it."

Zarkovic is expected to be a key figure in matches between the sixth-ranked Warriors and No. 5 Pepperdine Friday night and Sunday afternoon at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Zarkovic had missed five matches before coming off the sideline to amass 10 kills against Cal State Northridge two weeks ago. He had nine and six kills, respectively, in the sweep of Long Beach State — pedestrian numbers that bely his value as a passer, blocker and middle-back defender. In the first match against LBSU, he received 43 serves and conjured nine digs.

"He’s a very good player," UH coach Charlie Wade said.

Zarkovic is admittedly frustrated that he is not fully healthy.

"I’m still in the recovery process," Zarkovic said. "I have to play as best as I can at this point. I’m not playing as good as I want to because my strength is not fully back yet. I have to use everything I can even more because I’m not physically able to compete at the level I want to."

Even without that burst — he serves and launches spikes off a two-step approach — Zarkovic still draws a wall of blockers.

"Whether he’s going to go up and tool the block or see an open spot and hit it, that’s what makes Siki such a great player," Franciskovic said. "It doesn’t matter if he’s going to be explosive or not. He’s going to find a way to put the ball down."

Zarkovic, a junior, has changed his on-court demeanor.

"I was so emotional," said Zarkovic, who often criticized himself in Serbian after a failed play in past seasons. "I wanted to win every game. I think sometimes it negatively affected the team."

During the offseason, Zarkovic met with Chris McLachlin, who volunteers as a motivational and visualization instructor. "Chris gave me tips that were really valuable," Zarkovic said.

Zarkovic then reflected on former teammates Jace Olsen and Aniefre Etim-Thomas.

"They were good examples of how one should behave," Zarkovic said. "I tried not to imitate. I wanted my own style on how to approach the game. But they definitely helped me mature."

Zarkovic said he has learned to not cling to mistakes.

"The way I grew up, I was taught to be competitive and never give up any points," Zarkovic said. "Don’t get me wrong, I’m still competitive. I’ve learned to control myself and adjust to being more mature and focused."

Zarkovic also has adjusted to American life. Raised in Europe, he can speak Serbian, Greek and English. He is taking Spanish lessons.

Now, Zarkovic said, "sometimes I dream in English. … It’s definitely something new."