By Cindy Luis

As I mentioned on a previous post, had been wondering when Grgas might go to opposite. It’s the position he wants to play but he’s been in the middle for what was considered the good of the teamLofy is the No. 1 middle, according to Wilton so the battle for No. 2 has been between Grgas and Rawson. This move for Grgas gives Hawaii a much bigger block in certain rotations when Lofy (6-9) and Grgas (6-7) are next to each other.Hunt’s “stupid” injury … and those are his words … has created some problems. He may not be back until mid-March, maybe in time for New Jersey Tech (March 20-21). Hunt broke his hand hitting an immovable object during the second match at Long Beach State.   Feel sorry for Cervantes. He’s playing his heart out. Defense tonight on both sides was impressive.And do think that if Grgas stays at opposite the Carney would be better served at setter. IMHO.  

By Cindy Luis

Hawaii leads at the TT, 15-13. UH with 4 blocks, Stanford with 2Warriors seem to have a better handle on Romero. only 2 kills and blocked twice. Tuaniga starting, as well as Clar. instead of Dyer and Walker.UH going to the middles early, unlike Thursday.   UH led 19-18, now trails 21-19. Timeout Warriors.  Hawaii hanging in there but a couple of mistakes have been costly. It was 26-26 but McLachin wins a pattycake with Zemljak then an ace by Kawika Shoji makes it 28-26. timeout warriors.  Kill by Tuaniga brings it to 28-27 but kills by Williams and first kill by Lawson gives Set 1 to Stanford 30-27.  

By Cindy Luis

UC San Diego def. UCLA, 30-21, 30-23, 33-31Pepperdine def. UC Santa Barbara, 30-24, 36-34, 30-18CSU Northridge def. USC, 30-23, 34-32, 30-26BYU def. UOP, 30-22, 30-27, 30-28 

By Dave Reardon

Greg McMackin and Jim Donovan leave today for Japan. It’s a four-day marketing trip for both the football coach and the athletic director. McMackin said he wants to try to find players in Japan, and that the level of competition has improved to the point where there are viable prospects. … It’s technically NOT a recruiting trip. Both will have speaking engagements, McMackin to coaches, Donovan to athletic administrators. … Donovan is hoping to make deals with at least two schools that want to come to Hawaii to learn more about football and would pay UH for the opportunity to do it at Manoa. … “There are a lot of avenues for us in Japan,” says McMackin, who, like his predecessor, June Jones, sees the entire Pacific as fertile ground for UH in terms of marketing and recruiting. … One of Jones’ dreams was a game in Japan.   McMackin says that’s a possibility, but not in the immediate future. … Donovan, who has long believed in the potential of expanding UH’s brand to Asia, stresses that no state funds are being used for this trip. It was organized by the Pacific Rim Sports Initiative, which is headed by former UH football player Ross Yamasaki.JAL, the Oahu Visitors Bureau, Marriott and Panda are sponsors, McMackin said. 

By Cindy Luis

Thought both teams played inspired defense. Stanford had 48 digs, UH 42 with Cervantes digging 16.Couple of “interesting” calls may have affected the Warriors, it certainly killed momentum at crucial times.Hadn’t seen Lawson since he was a freshman in high school. Very impressive.Despite Hawaii switching its lineup, they showed some promise. Not sure if Nejc is the answer but Wilton likes Carney at hitter and for his passing. Lofy played well in the middle (7-0-11) but there isn’t the connection with the middles that Carney has. Grgas was 2-1-8.Hawaii outblocked Stanford 15.5-5.5. Grgas in on 7, Walker and Lofy six.  

By Cindy Luis

Hawaii led most of Set 1. Stanford finally took the lead 28-27 and now has set point at 29-27. Timout UH. Jarrod Lofy puts down a kill to hold off one set point, Spencer McLachlin ends it with his third kill 30-28.Four Hawaii prep products starting: Setter Kawika Shoji (’Iolani), libero Erik Shoji (Punahou), middle Brad Lawson (Iolani), hitter Spencer McLachlin (Punahou). Jordan Inafuku (Kamehameha) got in briefly as well.   Evan Romero with 10 kills, 1 error, to lead the Cardinal. Josh Walker and Jarrod Lofy with four kills each for the Warriors.  

By Cindy Luis

All road teams win, CSUN’s win at Pepperdine snaps 15-match losing streak at Firestone dating back to 1996.CSUN def. Pepperdine 30-24, 30-22, 33-35, 26-30, 15-12Long Beach State def. UCLA, 30-24, 30-25, 31-29UC Irvine def. UC San Diego, 30-25, 30-28, 30-24  

By Cindy Luis

Looking more and more like Sean Carney will move from setter to outside hitter for at least Thursday’s match against Stanford. If that’s the case, Nejc Zemljak would set. Hawaii, which had 7 potential setters in fall camp, only has two on the roster now. 

By Dave Reardon

Greg McMackin once again shows he’s serious about recruiting. Yesterday he told me of plans to host a “junior day,” a recruiting concept which several of you have brought up and is growing in popularity. The event will be held in conjunction with the April 25 spring game and will include a tour of the program for the high school prospects, as well as a barbecue (the prospects will have to pay for the food per NCAA rules).Other upcoming dates to remember: UH’s Pro Day will again be at the Home Depot center in Carson, Calif., April 2; Spring practice starts March 30, with scrimmages on Saturdays (including, likely one on Maui, April 11). And the Na Koa golf tournament is set for April 14 at the Hawaii Prince.  Also, Dr. Don Weir has been named executive director of Na Koa.

By Cindy Luis

Spencer McLachlin and Brad Lawson both with 22 kills as Stanford beats host UC Santa Barbara 30-26, 26-30, 24-30, 30-21, 15-13BYU sweeps UC San Diego, 30-28, 30-18, 30-12