Pin production key for UH against USC

In tailoring a strategy for tonight’s road match against USC, the University of Hawaii volleyball team is counting on its pins.

As expected, the Rainbow Warriors have found success from middles Taylor Averill and Nick West this season. But coach Charlie Wade said he wants pin hitters Brook Sedore, Siki Zarkovic and Jace Olsen to increase their offensive production.

"We’re going to need some of our outsides to do some of the heavy lifting as we start playing against higher-ranked teams in the league," Wade said. "Obviously, having that middle presence should help them. But there’s no doubt we’re going to need Siki, Jace and Brook to produce more as we go along."

Sedore, who starts at opposite, leads the Warriors with 3.43 kills per set. Zarkovic is second, at 2.91 kills per set, but is hitting .218. Olsen averages 2.18 kills, but is hitting .189.

Averill has nine more kills than Olsen on 70 fewer swings.

But the three starting pin hitters make other contributions. They are playing well defensively, with each averaging identical 1.11 digs per set.

Zarkovic has successfully passed 96 percent of the serves in his direction; Olsen has passed at 92 percent.

Olsen and Zarkovic put better than 80 percent of their serves in play. Sedore serves at 78 percent, but he leads with 16 aces.

If the Warriors were to make any changes on the left side, freshman Kupono Fey would get the first shot.

"He’s been a very, very pleasant surprise in every way measurable," Wade said.

Fey has played in eight matches, mostly as a serving specialist.

This is the Warriors’ third road trip of the season and, statistically, the most imposing opponent. The Trojans have three seniors and two impressive freshmen. Outside hitter Lucas Yoder, the sixth family member to play for USC, is averaging 3.85 kills per set in his inaugural season.

Andy Benesh, regarded as the nation’s top high school middle last year, is averaging 2.15 kills per set and leads the nation with a .506 hitting percentage.

Henry Cassiday, a senior libero from Punahou School, tops the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation with 3.07 digs per set.

USC’s offense revolves around Kamehameha graduate Micah Christenson, who is regarded as one of the top setters in the world.

This past summer, Christianson started for the U.S national team.

The indications are Christenson will be playing in the 2016 Olympics.

"I expect him to be the starting setter (for USC on) Thursday night," Wade said. "That’s as far as I’m getting to. … But, yes, he’s absolutely in the mix (for the Olympics)."

Christenson missed the past two matches with what was announced as a "back injury." UH anticipates he will be in the opening lineup.

"He’s really good," Wade said of Christenson. "He’s been around the game forever. He’s one of those kids who’s played at a high level his whole life. He was on the junior national team. He’s been in the national-team system for a long time. Didn’t he lead the state in 3-point shooting in basketball? He’s a really good athlete."

Tonight’s match begins at 5 p.m. Hawaii time and may be viewed at USCTrojans.com. Saturday’s match will be televised on the Pac-12 Network.