Was on the same flight as the team. Very, very bumpy. The people on the flight were very happy they were with the team. Was right ahead of Shoji as we boarded. I thought I was way back in the plane at 38. he was like in 42. but it was the only seat with a window available and he wanted to take a nap. It was amazing that he walked down and everyone kept saying good luck, good luck. I asked him if he felt like he knew the whole plane. He laughed and said that it sometimes feels like it.

Team checked in early … we got to the hotel around 7. they spent most of the day sleeping. Banquet was last night. I didn’t go (went to an amazing Santana concert instead). I think Shoji was surprised about his coach of the year, tho. I knew the all-WAC team Friday but was sworn to secrecy. It was interesting asking Shoji Saturday morning who his pick was for Coach of the Year. He voted for Idaho.

Saw a few players in the elevator this morning. They have practice at 2 p.m. LV time.

Just had a nice chat with Alexis Robins. We’re both looking for wireless. She’s trying to finish a paper for school.

Such a nice young woman. I’ve known her family since her Auntie Mary played for the Wahine starting in 86. She’s very excited to make her first road trip.

UH usually uses Spalding balls but the WAC and NCAA use Molten. So the Wahine have been using the heavier, slightly bigger Moltens this week. Both Shoji and Mafua said there is a noticeable difference in the balls but Mafua said it’s not that big of a deal. but happy to practice with them.

They’re taking 13. The usual 12 and Alexis Robins. Tuaniga and Mitchell not at practice. Both freshmen redshirts went home to California for Thanksgiving break.

Someone asked about Arik Metzger. He is in school but hasn’t been cleared to practice. That may happen for January. So until then, he’s not  in the gym.

Sorry I’ll miss the exhibitions. Pretty informal. Klum. no charge, bring a beach chair.

12 member first and second teams. And all freshman.

#1 Penn State def. Purdue 3-1
#5 Illinois (H) def. Iowa 3-0
#6 Stanford def. #19 Arizona 3-2
#7 UCLA def. Oregon State 3-0
#10 Kentucky (H) def. South Carolina 3-0
#11 California def. Arizona State 3-1
#12 Minnesota lost to #14 Michigan 0-3
#13 Florida lost to Tennessee 1-3
#14 Michigan (H) def. #12 Minnesota 3-0
#15 Florida State (H) def. Boston College 3-0
#15 USC def. #18 Oregon 3-0
#17 LSU (H) def. Mississippi State 3-0
#18 Oregon (H) lost to #15 USC 0-3
#19 Arizona (H) lost to #6 Stanford 2-3
#21 Northern Iowa (H) def. Creighton 3-1
#23 Notre Dame def. Seton Hall 3-0

Panda Travel also sold out of its package, which included passes It was a pretty good deal around $900 for air, 5 nights hotel and meals.

If you’re going to go, my advice would be to go directly to the Orleans box office and by there. All-session is $45. Single session is $20 the first day, $23 the other two days.

I know I had mentioned it earlier that it was cheaper to buy through UH. i don’t know if it’s cheaper to go through other schools to et tickets than to go to the box office. Either way, likely handling fees and tax.

Popelka is a 6-8 middle and a really good basketball player, with a GPA of over .4.0

Welch is a 6-9 blocker/OH and is a VB Mag Boys Underclassmen to Watch.

UH up 18-12. TO USU. Danielson and Ferrell both with 4 kills.

Kaufman and Mafua with a block to end it. 25-19.

Danielson 8-1-11, Ferrell 4-1-9.