One shoe is on but one shoe is off when it comes to the pair that Hawaii needs to establish its middle game.

The one that’s on — Emily Maglio, an All-American in beach and honorable mention indoor — has impressed with her athletic ability the past three seasons. But, now a senior, the Canadian national is stepping it up as a vocal leader.

It’s part of the growth that is recognized by her teammates as well as herself.

“I know a lot of the younger players are looking up to me,” said Maglio, who has led the team yell at the end of practices as well as heading into water breaks. “I always want to improve, and this year that means becoming more of a leader.”

Her “speak softly and carry a big arm” approach had her hitting a conference-best .400 with 133 blocks. The push now is to have her all-around game on the sand transition to the Teraflex, where she is being looked at as a six-rotation player, one not subbed out after serving until she rotates back into the front row.

“I see her as a six-rotation (player), but she’s gotta want it,” coach Robyn Ah Mow-Santos said. “She’s probably our best player and I could put her on the left, put her on the right. She’s in the middle, but we have got to be able to get her the ball so she can help us.”

With Maglio ensconced as the M1, the M2 is up for grabs. The two incoming freshmen — Sophia Howling and Skyler Williams — could make up for their inexperience with their athleticism.

The concern from the coaching staff is how the freshmen will react if either is thrust into a starting role tonight against Marquette. Deer in the headlights or darn good are the options.

That concern could put junior Casey Castillo in the starting role against Marquette. Castillo would prefer to stay as a pin hitter, but “whatever the team needs, I’ll do,” she said.

Redshirt sophomore Natasha Burns was not cleared to practice for a third preseason camp. It was unclear as a press time when the 6-foot-5 Canadian would be able to fully participate.