Southern California volleyball coach Bill Ferguson has a lively weekly show that is posted on the school’s website.

His team’s on-court performances are equally entertaining.

Despite the graduations of key members of recent teams, the Trojans are ranked fourth nationally and are in fifth place in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.

"We have only two seniors, but Steve (Shandrick) and Tony (Ciarelli) have given us really good leadership," said Ferguson, whose Trojans host Hawaii tonight and Sunday in the Galen Center.

Shandrick is a middle blocker, and Ciarelli, a 6-foot-6 outside hitter, is USC’s most productive attacker (4.17 kills per set).

USC gets a boost from three Hawaii-raised players — libero Henry Cassiday (Punahou), opposite attacker Maddison McKibbin (Punahou) and setter Micah Christenson (Kamehameha).

This season, only Ciarelli has the green light to blast away on jump serves. The others have specific instructions on where to place their serves — a strategy that requires the Trojans to trust their block and defense. Cassiday has range, and is an accurate passer.

McKibbin is back to full health after missing 10 matches because of an ankle injury.

Christenson has made an easy adjustment to collegiate volleyball. As a Kamehameha senior in 2011, the 6-5 Christenson was used at middle blocker and outside hitter. His natural position is setter, where he played for club and national teams.

"He was one of the top setting prospects we’ve had in this country in a long time," Ferguson said. "When we recruited him, we felt we were getting a guy who could set and play a major role as a freshman. He’s really got the opportunity, with his God-given talent and his work ethic, to be a really nice setter in our league."

Ferguson said Christenson has yet to "lose his cool" this season.

"That’s saying something for a freshman," Ferguson said. "He understands our personnel very well. He understands what we’re trying to do with our game plan. He knows how to look at opponents’ blocking, and how to match our strengths against their weaknesses."

Christenson is majoring in human performance, which is part of the exercise science department.

As a player, Ferguson said, "his human performance has been great."

The Warriors are on the first leg of a four-match road trip. Middle blocker Shane Welch, who has not played this season after having knee surgery in January, is expected to be used against USC. Welch played extensively in exhibition matches against Nittaidai this past weekend.

"It was all right," Welch said. "I feel I played adequately. … I need the reps and time. I’m excited to have a chance to be back out there. We’ll see what I can do."