The key is the “D.” That’s what Hawaii assistant Joshua Walker says is adding to the specialness of the men’s volleyball team this season.
“Growing up, Hawaii was always known for defense,” said Walker, an All-American hitter for the Rainbow Warriors (2008-11). “I’ve been saying all fall that we have a lot of guys who are very good offensive players but we wanted to improve on our defense. It’s something we preached in the fall, pushed to be special on defense. We want people to be excited about people flying all over the court, playing relentless defense that everybody loves to watch.”
No. 6 Hawaii, 4-0 for the first time since 2001, tries to make it five straight with tonight’s rematch against Grand Canyon. The last time the Rainbow Warriors accomplished that was 1996 when they started 13-0 and finished second nationally.
Against the Antelopes (1-2) on Wednesday, Hawaii hit .304 in the sweep. The Warriors had 17 errors, many unforced, and “we want to cut down on our errors,” Walker said of one of the goals for tonight’s contest. “We want to hit for a higher percentage, be more efficient.”
Hawaii had 29 digs on Wednesday and is averaging 10.23 digs per set. Senior setter Jennings Franciskovic has 20 in 10 sets, freshman hitter Austin Matautia 19 in 10 sets, reserve libero Mamane Namahoe 16 in six sets and sophomore libero Larry Tuileta — who missed last Saturday’s match with Ball State — has 18 in eight sets.
The Warriors got some good news today with freshman hitter Rado Parapunov being cleared to fully participate in practice. He injured his left knee during warmups last Thursday in a collision with an Erskine player.
On Sunday, Hawaii hosts its seventh A‘o a Koa Scholarship Dinner at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Warriors will honor former All-American Mark Presho (1990-93) with their Pae Makaukau Alumni Recognition Award.
Presho is in his 14th season as an assistant at UC Irvine. He finished his career at Hawaii as the program’s all-time kill leader (1,582) and now is second behind Costas Theocharidis (2,198).
Sunday’s event begins at 6 p.m. and includes heavy pupu, and live and silent auctions. Individual tickets are $75, with table sponsorships available.
For more information, call 956-9931 or email coach Charlie Wade at cwade@hawaii.edu.
