There is comfort in routine. Knowing what to expect, being on auto pilot where it’s more about the doing than the thinking.
It’s been that way for the Hawaii volleyball team nearly every Tuesday since Aug. 26. Early alarms, early taping and early setup in Gym I for a 6 a.m. practice.
This Tuesday, however, was different, and not just because the Rainbow Wahine walked in with a national ranking for the first time in six weeks or were without junior hitter Keani Passi, whose departure from the program was announced Monday.
It was the final Tuesday of the regular season, with Hawaii preparing for its last Big West matches in the Stan Sheriff Center this year. Thoughts of Saturday’s senior night festivities for Kalei Adolpho and Sarah Mendoza, and Sunday’s NCAA tournament selection show are on the back burner with the heat turned off.
"We are only thinking about two matches this week," Hawaii coach Dave Shoji said. "We are not assuming anything."
That could be in regards to two victories as well as being awarded an at-large bid in the NCAA tournament. On paper, No. 25 Hawaii’s chances are good for both: UC Riverside (2-25, 0-15) has struggled, while UC Davis (15-13, 10-5) has been dangerous but somewhat inconsistent.
As for the postseason possibility, the Wahine held at 30 in the Ratings Percentage Index for a fifth week with the return to the coaches poll — also part of the selection criteria — very encouraging. But nothing is guaranteed until Hawaii sees its name on one of the 64 lines in the bracket.
But that is four days away. Tuesday, as usual, was all about skills and drills, working on what what went right and what went wrong in the two road victories at UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly.
"Those two wins were really big for us," junior middle Olivia Magill said. "The season has gone by really fast. Everyone is excited about this week and to finish the conference strong."
Magill continues to lead the Big West in blocks (1.39) and hitting percentage (.414). Against UC Davis in the Big West opener, she had 10 kills and hit .615.
Note
Both matches this week are scheduled for 8 p.m. starts and will follow Waikiki Beach Marriott Rainbow Wahine Shootout basketball games. For the first time this volleyball season, Hawaii will play at home on the hardwood and not its normal Teraflex surface.
