After serving a winning recipe with the 2011 University of Hawaii women’s volleyball tab, cooking an encore meal worthy of consideration was a challenge our staff was willing to accept. Longtime volleyball writer Cindy Luis let things simmer for a while before deciding what ingredients we should use for this year’s dish.

As always, the Rainbow Wahine and the coaching staff were willing to play along and help make this year’s tab a recipe for success, not disaster. Give head coach Dave Shoji credit for pretending to be a chef when comfort food is more to his liking. His assistants also joined in the fun.

Photographer Jamm Aquino added some nice touches in how to prepare a volleyball properly. And graphics artist Martha Hernandez once again paid strict attention to all the details, right down to the proper portions.

Hawaii beat writer Ann Miller added a dash of spice to the bubbling brew, giving fans a tasty treat just in time for tonight’s season opener.