The U.S. men’s Pan American Cup volleyball team, with three players with Hawaii ties on the roster, will play Puerto Rico for fifth place today in Colima, Mexico.

The U.S. (2-2) dropped its quarterfinal match with Argentina on Wednesday, 25-23, 25-22, 25-22. University of Hawaii hitter Colton Cowell had a team-high nine kills with two digs and an ace. Former UH All-America setter Joe Worsley was one of three setters used, while former Rainbow Warrior Kupono Fey, training at libero, did not play.

“We couldn’t use some of the players that have been responsible in our lineup until now because of some injuries and we tried to find the best combination,” said Warriors associate coach Milan Zarkovic, who is the U.S. head coach. “At the end of each set we were very close, fighting to win. I would say we came to the spring but didn’t drink water.”

KS-Hawaii’s Frederick honored by Gatorade

Kamehameha-Hawaii’s Chenoa Frederick on Thursday repeated as the Gatorade Hawaii girls track & field athlete of the year.

Frederick, a junior, won the 100-meter dash, triple jump, long jump and high jump at the state championship meet last month on Maui.

The award recognizes athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character.

4 from Hawaii win opening-round heats

Hawaii’s John John Florence and Seth Moniz won their opening-round heats Thursday at the Oi Rio Pro in Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Local surfers Sebastian Zietz and Ezekiel Lau placed third in their heats and will have to surf in the elimination round.

In the women’s competition, Hawaii’s Carissa Moore and Coco Ho won their first-round heats.

Local surfer Tatiana Weston-Webb finished second, while Malia Manuel placed third and will have to compete in the elimination round.