It was during a troubling time when University of Hawaii volleyball libero Kolby Kanetake was reminded to picture his happy place.

Kanetake was pulled after struggling to pass California Baptist’s float serves during the second set of Wednesday’s match. On the sideline, associate head coach Jeff Hall told Kanetake to think back to when he competed in outdoor matches in the summer.

"I told him to play like he was in a grass tournament in Lanikai, when he was free and focused, and not so worried about errors," Hall said. "He had to get back to that point because he was so stressed out."

Kanetake returned to the match, stabilized his passing, and helped the Rainbow Warriors go on to a four-set victory.

UH coach Charlie Wade said Kanetake needs to play as loosely in Friday’s rematch. First serve is at 7:05 p.m. in a match that will not be televised.

"He needs to free it up," Wade said. "He’s a little bit of a thinker. He has to go free it up and play."

Kanetake is an admitted perfectionist. It is why he spends extra time on school assignments. It also is why, he said, "I tend to focus on the mistakes that I’ve been making instead of moving on to the next play earlier."

Wade has praised Kanetake’s passing and defensive skills. In Wednesday’s fourth set, the Warriors shifted into a defensive stand. That left Kanetake to defend the back left with no block in front. Kanetake was able to dig Johannes Brink’s spike off a D-set.

"That’s what Kolby does," Hall said. "He’s really good at just going for it. He will lay his body out to sacrifice for the team. That’s what I like about him."

Kanetake said he played baseball, basketball and soccer, but "I never felt the passion until I started playing volleyball."

He was a regular attendee at UH volleyball matches.

"It’s crazy to think I was watching from the stands a couple of years ago, and now I’m out here," Kanetake said. "I try not to think about it. But then it gets to you: ‘Wow, I’m here.’ "