Beach volleyball was a big part of Casey Castillo’s life growing up in Oceanside, Calif. But the days at Moonlight Beach and other playing environs in the San Diego area were washed away when the Hawaii freshman outside hitter tore the ACL in her left knee at the start of her junior year at Santa Fe Christian.

Castillo has returned to the sand — as well as the Teraflex this week — as one of five Rainbow Wahine doubling up on competition on the beach and indoor teams. The 6-foot-3 freshman said being outside playing has helped her indoor game.

“I think it’s helped with my ball control and overall endurance,” Castillo said. “The sand team has been so inviting. It’s been great to be out there again.”

Hawaii hosts Iowa State Friday in an indoor exhibition at the Stan Sheriff Center. The SandBows also host a pairs tournament Friday — using mostly sand-only players — and face Loyola Marymount on Saturday at Queen’s Beach. They’ll play Nebraska at the Ching Complex courts on Sunday.

Castillo has yet to play a beach match but could see action this weekend and definitely will see time Friday against the Cyclones. With sophomore hitter Kalei Greeley recuperating after surgery, Castillo and freshman hitter McKenna Granato will step into Hawaii’s passing scheme.

“It’s a good opportunity for me to contribute to the team,” Castillo said. “I’m looking forward to what this early offseason has in store for us. We have a lot to develop and I think we’ll get there.”