University of Hawaii volleyball player Kolby Kanetake was named the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation/Molten player of the week on Monday, the first time a UH libero has won the award.

The defensive position was implemented in NCAA men’s volleyball in 2000.

In two four-set victories over Cal State Northridge, Kanetake amassed 35 digs, including a career-high 21 on Friday.

"All those digs Friday night were well-earned," UH coach Charlie Wade said. "They were not roll shots he was picking off. He was digging some hot shots and really chasing some balls down. That was pretty impressive."

Kanetake is a junior and 2012 Moanalua High graduate.

"He’s been the biggest gym rat on our team since he joined as a freshman," Wade said. "He clearly leads the team in hours logged in the gym and with the ball machine and with whomever he can find off the street to feed balls into the machine or serve balls at him. To me, that’s the takeaway. That kid has worked that hard to get that good."

The Warriors ascended one spot, to No. 6, in this week’s AVCA rankings.

They depart Wednesday afternoon in advance of road matches Friday and Saturday against Long Beach State.