A bit of a homecoming at this morning’s practice
By Cindy Luis
Walked into Gym I and watching practice is morning were two All-Americans … Suzanne Eagye Cox and Lily Kahumoku (drawing a blank on her married name). Lily was leaving tonight for Europe but Eagye and husband Tim, here for their 20th wedding anniversary and Tim’s 30th reunion for Moanalua, will be here for Friday’s and Sunday’s matches.
Suzy’s daughter is a sophomore in high school, taller than her mom (6-3) and playing volleyball. potential recruit, probably not on anyone’s radar. being home schooled in Tennessee but Suzy’s has been coaching her in club.
Another potential with Hawaii ties would be Tony Maroney’s daughter. Tony, former UH bkb player, is 7-1 … Daughter is 13 and already 6-3. The Maroneys are in New York but Tony said he was bringing the family out for vacation. suggested he send daughter to Wahine camp.
AND three of Hawaii’s four incoming players will be here this weekend. The only one not coming is … I think but don’t quote me … Waber because she already had an ‘official visit’ this year and they’re limited to 1. All four expected to sign Wednesday.
November 5th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
If Suzanne’s daughter is with them on this trip, it’ll be nice for her to see Hawaii’s senior night.
Do you know what Tony Maroney is up to these days?
November 5th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I think Lily’s married name is Olteanu????
November 5th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Suzy’s daughter not on trip. this is sort of a second honeymoon. Tony is New York, running a few video game stores, one of his other passions besides bkb.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Cindy, with Aneli and Amber graduating, who of the new recruits do you think will crack the starting lineup? How’s Tuaniga doing in practice…does she look promising?
November 5th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Tuaniga looks good. still not sure how she’s going to fit in. I don’t know if any of the incoming freshmen will start. Someone will have to beat out Forsythe for the second middle spot and will see how Cascioppo develops during spring. I don’t know enough about the new recruits to guess how they might perform. Interesting that you chose the two players that Dave said he’s going to have a hard time replacing in Aneli and Amber.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
It’s too early to know who of the recruits will get playing time much less break into the starting lineup. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Shoji ends up asking Goodman, Waber and Hartong to redshirt. Uiato should receive playing time since she’s the backup setter.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
One of the problems Hawaii will have next year is having so many good players. Going to be hard to keep everyone happy because a number of them wno’t be playing that much. Agree of the four, Ulato won’t be redshirting.
November 5th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
wow seems like next years team might be loaded with talent.
November 5th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Uiato definitely will have to play next year. Hartong, from what i hear about her, could replace Kaufman. about the same height as Amber, big hops but better blocker. Waber or Goodman may have to play next year if Ferrell and CC don’t improve markedly by the end of this season. Ferrell has been a big disappointment to me so far. if she is playing badly because of her ankle, Dave should think about sitting her until playoffs. give CC more playing time, although i think they will have to somehow shorten her swing in the off season.
November 5th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Shoji’s determined to stick with Ferrell. part of the reason he’s flopped the lineup, with Brandt (Ferrell’s sub) starting the past two matches. Plus he likes what Brandt brings to the court and her serve. think statistically she’s the best server, in terms of how many points are scored in her serving rotation. Waber’s very young, think she just turned 16 and they may want her to mature physically. But it’s a long way off. All I know is this is one of the best recruiting classes Hawaii has had and it will be tough competition to earn a spotting spot … and stay there.
November 5th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Hi Cindy! I’m back! Been away for a few weeks touring the countryside here Japan. Went to some hot springs in the North and ate lot’s of fresh sushi. Definitely better here. Sounds like I’ve missed quite a bit. Good to hear the girls haven’t lost a match. Sounds like this weekend will have a lot of the recruits in for the 2 home games. It will be good for them to see Senior night and all the leis the girls get. Not to mention all the attention they’ll receive. It will make a good impression for the new recruits I think. On another note, I agree with Andy about Ferrell. She needs to stop hitting directly into the block and choose a better angle. She’ll need to step it up here to get ready for the post season. I wish CC was more experienced at her position. She reminds of a little of Sarah Mason with her height and arm swing. It just needs to be more controlled. More playing time will help but unfortunately we’re at the end of the season soon and don’t have enough time. Hopefully Ferrell can put it together quickly.
November 5th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
I think it will be interesting to see what happens next season. I think Goodman and Waber will be better off with a redshirt year to train and develop.
Uiato will play. And I’d like to think Hartong will be available too. She’s probably the one who can make the biggest impact of the four freshmen. Plus, with only Danielson, Ferrell, Hewitt, Tuaniga, Forsythe and Cascioppo as hitters, I think Hartong (who can play middle and outside) will be valuable for depth. Six hitters is very shallow… there’s Paige Mitchell as well but I’m not sure how far a long she is as a redshirt walk on middle.
Anywho, I agree with Cindy. This class rivals the 2000 class of Willoughby, Gustin, Duggins, Eckmier, and Villaroman. Perhaps not the TOP in the nation, but collectively a lot of talent and potential to work with.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:49 am
This year’s Wahine has great potential. The blockers are young but they will mature as the tourney goes on. Am biased but the 2000 Wahine is a totally elite group of players. Thanks Cindy for all your good news and comments.
November 6th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Yeah, Lily’s married name is Olteanu. Her husband is Bogdan Olteanu. A Romanian national team member, if I’m not mistaken.