Five matches into the young collegiate volleyball careers of Nikki Taylor, Tayler Higgins and Katiana Ponce, the three Hawaii freshmen were a part of something historic and special. Although Ponce did not play, Taylor had two kills and three block assists, and Higgins added a kill, an assist and a dig as Hawaii defeated Santa Clara in four on Sept. 7, 2013.
That made Dave Shoji the winningest women’s coach in Division I with 1,107.
Nearly four years later, the senior class — which has since added Annie Mitchem — can be part of another historic and special night. Shoji is one win away from 1,200, a mark reached by Penn State coach Russ Rose earlier this season (currently at 1,208).
“It’s pretty surreal to be a part of something that big, to have played a part,” said Taylor, who became the 12th Wahine to reach 1,300 kills last week. “It’s really special.”
That celebration bookend could come as early as Thursday, when the Rainbow Wahine look to win the Big West title outright while hosting Cal Poly (17-8, 10-4). Hawaii is two games ahead of Long Beach State following the 49ers’ 3-2 loss at UC Irvine on Tuesday, the match that had to be replayed after a protest by UCI was upheld. (The 49ers won the original contest 3-2).
As for the Mustangs, they were a handful during the first week of the season, with Hawaii more than happy to leave San Luis Obispo with a 32-34, 27-25, 25-17, 25-20 win.
“My success is related to the players’ success and we’ve had great players in the program,” said Shoji, in his 42nd season. “But our focus is on Cal Poly. They had us on the ropes at their place.
“Their outsides hurt us and we have to do a better job. (Sophomore hitter Adlee) Van Winden has not played well against us and I’m sure she’ll be determined to play better.”
Van Winden is the niece of former Wahine Lisa Strand-Ma’a and cousin of former UH beach All-American Katie Spieler. Van Winden had six kills and hit negative .133 against Hawaii 12 matches ago.
Doing the most damage in Mott Gym were sophomore hitter Alexis Clewis (17 kills, .371) and junior hitter Raeann Griesen (16 kills, .316). Cal Poly comes in on a four-match winning streak and brings the Big West leader in assists, junior setter Taylor Nelson, ranked No. 6 in the country (11.66 apg).
Hawaii has won its past eight matches and 22 consecutive sets, the last 15 in a row where opponents have not scored 20 points. The Wahine are led by Taylor, the reigning Big West player of the week, who is the conference leader in kills (4.33 kps, 15th nationally), service aces (0.60 aps, fifth nationally) and points (5.76 pps, fifth nationally).
