Briefly listed among "options for program reduction," the men’s volleyball team has proven to be one of the University of Hawaii’s biggest winners on — and off — the court this year.

In addition to a 23-3 record and No. 1 American Volleyball Coaches Association ranking entering Friday’s series at Brigham Young, the Rainbow Warriors have reached a nine-year high in ticket revenue and tickets distributed.

For the 16-match regular-season home schedule, the ‘Bows took in $308,653 in ticket revenue, according to unaudited UH figures. That’s the most since 2006 and nearly a 40 percent jump from 2014 despite one fewer home match.

"The results have been earned," said Carl Clapp, UH associate athletic director. "We see the (upturn) in these numbers, but we’re also aware of the time that (coach) Charlie (Wade), his staff and the players have spent interacting with the fans and the community. It is great stuff and we’ve had a terrific atmosphere for home matches."

In going 14-2 at the Stan Sheriff Center, the ‘Bows have averaged 2,554 fans through the turnstiles and issued an average of 3,535 tickets per match. That’s up from 1,836 and 2,871 last season.

The leap has allowed UH to out-pace revenue projections by nearly $60,000, among the best returns of any sport for the fiscal year that closes June 30.

The direct costs for men’s volleyball run nearly $650,000.

In a February report — the "Financial State of Hawaii Athletics: Version 2.0 — Revising The Game Plan" — commissioned by a Board of Regents committee, men’s volleyball was identified among six programs in possible "options for program reduction."

After the release of the 93-page report, the regents said "none of these options seem to be very feasible or desireable."

UH is scheduled to host a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation quarterfinal match April 25.

HOT TICKET

Men’s volleyball tickets issued