In this drive for a league volleyball title, Hawaii coach Charlie Wade is not looking in the proverbial rear-view mirror.

The Rainbow Warriors are No. 1 in the country and in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, the country’s top volleyball conference. With a 14-2 MPSF record, the Warriors are ahead of UC Irvine (14-3) and Pepperdine (14-4) in this 22-match regular season.

"We’re going to have to win every night," Wade said. "We’re not expecting (UC Irvine and Pepperdine) to lose the rest of the (regular) season."

Wade acknowledged the "added formula of being the No. 1 team, you know you’re going to get everyone’s best shot."

Wade said the pressure is extended to the Warriors’ closest pursuers.

"The pressure is on them, too," Wade said. "I’m sure they’re thinking the same thing. They have to keep winning."

The Warriors are seeking to finish atop the MPSF to secure home-court advantage throughout the league’s playoffs. The MPSF’s regular-season champion traditionally earns, at least, an at-large berth in the NCAA tournament.

After back-to-back road victories over UC San Diego, the Warriors had a bye on Sunday ahead of matches against UCLA on Monday and Tuesday in Pauley Pavilion. Pauley’s floor was renovated after 10 million gallons of water flooded the arena in July.

"The court’s still the same size and the net’s still the same height," Wade said.

UCLA, with 19 national championships, still is a pesky obstacle. UCLA coach John Speraw’s mentor was legendary Bruins coach Al Scates. Speraw also serves as head coach of the U.S. national team.

The Bruins, at 7-9, are clinging to the eighth — and final — spot for the MPSF playoffs.

"It’s crunch time," Speraw said. "I guess you could call it a ‘must win.’ "

The Bruins fell in five sets to USC on Saturday.

"It was disappointing we weren’t able to beat them," Speraw said. "I thought we had a lot of opportunities. I’m hoping it’s a sign we’re improving and getting better."

The Bruins’ starting setter, Hagen Smith, recently suffered a season-ending injury. Eric Matheis, a freshman, started against USC.

"It was the first time Eric set a match in a long time," Speraw said. "Hopefully, that experience will help him. He’s a good location setter. He can get the ball where the guys need it. He needs to get comfortable out there, particularly transitionally. He does set the ball a little better in transition."

The Bruins have two disruptive servers. Middle blocker Mitchell Stahl has 28 aces this season. Outside hitter Jake Arnitz had four aces in a row against USC.

"Obviously, you have to (serve well) against Hawaii if you want to have a shot," Speraw said.

Speraw said he is concerned about UH middles Taylor Averill and Davis Holt, libero Kolby Kanetake, and opposite Brook Sedore.

"They have one of the better liberos in the country," Speraw said. "They pass and set the ball well. That allows them to set their middles. They have the best middle presence in the country offensively."

Kanetake was held out of the past two matches because of back issues. He is expected to start on Monday.

Sedore, who was switched from left-side hitter two years ago, hits what Speraw terms "a heavy ball" with range. Sedore’s wide approach and compact swing provides "different shots you don’t normally see," Speraw said.