The Manoa skyline is higher than it has ever been before for the University of Hawaii women’s volleyball team.

With six players at 6 feet 3 and over, Dave Shoji has his tallest squad in 41 seasons as the Rainbow Wahine coach.

And they’re 3-0 after the first weekend, something UH hasn’t done since 2012. That No. 18 in front of Wahine’s name in the poll might be too low.

Still, in order to see the forest for the trees when asking how far this vertically unchallenged team might go, you have to remember they’ve yet to play a ranked team. And that height isn’t everything.

But the tall roster certainly gives Shoji options. That was the case Sunday as the Wahine swept Oregon State, which is pretty big itself.

"I don’t think we adjust too much about the way we coach (with so much height). Nikki (Taylor) is very agile and plays great defense at 6-4. All of our big players are coordinated," Shoji said. "We did move Nikki around and put her in front of No. 12 (6-foot-5 Katelyn Driscoll). We have that ability to mix and match."

A quick Wichita State team gave Hawaii more of a challenge Saturday, and the Wahine were down a set and 11-7 in the second before the momentum turned and they won in four. The Shockers finished with nine blocks to eight for the Wahine.

It didn’t take nearly as long to figure out the Beavers, and UH dominated all the stats, including 11.5 team blocks to three.

"We’re not a great blocking team, but we can be a good blocking team," Shoji said.

"Since we’re such a big team we should be getting numerous blocks per set," Taylor added.

It’s tempting to say this team will go as far as the now-healthy Taylor can take it, as she is not just a kill machine but a bonafide all-around player. But Shoji knows she can’t take 50 swings every match, as Taylor did against Wichita State.

"I didn’t want to get giddy over her, but you see her (in practice) and you think she can have a big year," Shoji said. "Teams are going to (see her on tape) and stack against her. But that will open things up and we’ll get more from the left or the middle."

With that thought in mind, the boost Hawaii got from senior hitter and co-captain Tai Manu- Olevao’s decision to play on Sundays (she previously did not for religious reasons) is a big one.

"We really didn’t know if she wanted to play today," Shoji said. "Tai’s a very private person. I’m sure everyone on the team is glad she played today."

Manu-Olevao has been a streaky player throughout her career (including this weekend). But on Sunday she was UH’s most efficient attacker.

"Our team has a lot of mutual respect," Taylor said. "I have huge respect for Tai being out here on Sundays."

UH has plenty of other weapons, including middle Olivia Magill and outside hitter Kalei Greeley. Shoji also hopes to find ways to get more playing time for opposite Megan Huff and middle Annie Mitchem.

Everybody got some swings Sunday, as the Beavers folded in the third set.

So far so good for the Rainbow Wahine. The very tall Rainbow Wahine.

Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783. His blog is at Hawaiiwarriorworld.com/quick-reads.