Wahine season tickets on sale Monday
By Cindy Luis
Rainbow Wahine volleyball season tickets go on sale Monday, June 4. Fans can purchase season tickets online at HawaiiAthletics.com, visit the Stan Sheriff Center box office (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or call (808) 944-2697 during the same hours.
Hawaii will host 20 matches at the SSC
The season kicks off with the Chevron Rainbow Wahine Invitational from Aug. 24-26, a tournament that includes Stanford, Albany, and Saint Mary’s.
Season ticket prices are as follows:
Lower level – $165 plus an `Ahahui Koa Anuenue premium seat contribution*
Upper level adult – $120
Upper level senior citizen (65+) – $110
Upper level student (ages 4-high school) – $75
* The lower level AKA premium seat contribution will be either $100 or $120, depending on the location of the seats.
Ahahui Koa Anuenue (AKA) is still offering preferred seating packages which include VIP parking and prime seating. For more information, please contact the AKA office at 956-6500 or purchase online at www.KoaAnuenue.org
The season kicks off with the Chevron Rainbow Wahine Invitational from Aug. 24-26, a tournament that includes Stanford, Albany, and Saint Mary’s.
Season ticket prices are as follows:
Lower level – $165 plus an `Ahahui Koa Anuenue premium seat contribution*
Upper level adult – $120
Upper level senior citizen (65+) – $110
Upper level student (ages 4-high school) – $75
* The lower level AKA premium seat contribution will be either $100 or $120, depending on the location of the seats.
Ahahui Koa Anuenue (AKA) is still offering preferred seating packages which include VIP parking and prime seating. For more information, please contact the AKA office at 956-6500 or purchase online at www.KoaAnuenue.org
Volleyshots
Any word on when the new roster will be added?
roster won’t be up until fall camp.
I see.. Are the new recruits / transfers here yet? Looking forward to hearing more about them. Mahalo Cindy!
John,
The new recruit and transfers (not counting walk-ons) will be on campus, 1st week of July, for the 2nd summer session.
supposed to be here second session, in July 1. The final roster not done until after any cuts have been made. You never know who might decide to walk on.
Can the Hawaii Athletics website announce the transfers or do they have to be enrolled in school?
They can announce the transfers once they are in school.
Got it.. Mahalo for all the info.
John, the roster will be the 14 returnees plus the newcomers mentioned in Ann Miller’s article: transfers Ashley Kastl (OH, ASU), Stephanie Hagins (MB, WSU) and Ali Longo (L/DS, PSU), recruit Tai Manu-Olevao (OH) and walk-on freshman Katie Spieler (DS). Additionally, there’s talk that another DS transfer, Sarah Mendoza from Irvine Valley, will (try to) walk-on. Roster will likely be updated at the end of August. Barring any of the current DS leaving, I think Shoji might carry a 20-player roster or Mendoza won’t make the cut.
I feel bad for all the liberos because there is so much of them and not enough playing time for all of them.
Does anyone know why Blake didn’t go to Weber State where she signed a NLI for?
Also, does anyone know what schools recruited Hartong?
Blake’s playing time will likely go down with Longo’s arrival. I think the libero position will be between Longo and Maeda. Whoever doesn’t start will be the primary DS. Blake will be competing with Kam, Lelepali and Kawamura for the occasional serving/defensive duties. Spieler is a redshirt possibility.
eh, don’t feel bad for the liberos. they know a program like Hawaii is gonna attract competition for those walk-on spots. they know the deal, and the risk in “walking on” onto such a competitive situation.
if anything is felt on their behalf … it should be hope, that the competition will make them and the team better.
For a lot of the local girls, its just a dream to play for the team that they have watched growing up.
Shoji was on Bobby Curran’s show this morning. Nothing too interesting was said as Bobby had him on since season tickets go on sale today.
He did say Hartong will play on the left next season.
RYK,
Bobby Curran mentioned later, on his program, that they checked into the FF situation and found out that she is no longer attending UH. She will not be attending UH in the fall. So, this should put an end to all the FF speculation. What a waste of talent, could not keep up her portion, the academic side.
It did not take Bobby Curran that long, like a few minutes, to find this information out. Wonder why Ann or Cindy, could not get this info., just wondering.
IT WON’T be enough…new position; she ain’t that good.
She’ll learn some with the US this summer, BUT she doesn’t stike me as having that huge a learning curve to move from middle which she made all-america by.
—
facts
Since sooo many of you are into this faikakala/walaau style of conversation…
(1) Of course she’s not enrolled at UH–it’s summer, lolos
(2) Siaki her FB bf–with whom she shacks-up–is STILL expected back for his Sr. year this July FB Camp.
(3) When she first came to UH (last fall) the hope was for a $and $chollie during the $ring…would someone with no resources take out a student loan for thousands of dollars, with no gaurantees, just to bury themselves in dept for the sake of VB? *She never took a single class during the Spring Semester; what few classes that were attended, in the ’11 Fall, may not currently be enough academically.
(4) Falyn’s status is on hold until the 2nd session of Summer School. If she’s not enrolled then, she won’t be on the team come this September.
(5) W/out FF…Dave WILL be looking at some severe difficulties come the 2013-14 academic year.
(6, 7, 8, 9, 10) We ALL–Dave, and FF included–need continue to be patient and watch expectantly as fates are revealed.
I understand the frustration, there is alot more articles written about the football and basketball programs. Does seem like there are knowledgeable sources feeding information to certain sports reporters. Shoji and the people surrounding his program were trained by the CIA not to devulge any vb information in belief that it may some how compromise national security.
Oh, about Shoji and the CIA. Its an unsubstantiated rumor.
I always wondered who that guy on the grassy knoll wearing the the trench coat,brown fedora and sunglasses was ?
Good to know im not the only one who saw that…
You mean dat wasn’t Steve?!?!? (just joking steve; no get all worked up!)
Hey, you guys, it was not a trench coat, but a black jacket, and green UH logo shirt. Oh, yes, I was indeed wearing sunglasses. You know me, always snooping around UH, like a raccoon.
Ha! Ha! Good one. Yeah, too bad if what you said about FF is true; she could have been a real asset; Hartong as an OH? I wonder, if given a choice, what position she’d choose…
I thought that was you Steve, but I wasn’t sure and did not want to spread any rumors. I also did not want the CIA investigating me in the event it was a real agent on the hill. I did hear a rumor that Shoji worked for the CIA after he graduated from college for a short while.
Hope you people did not think I was kidding about what Bobby Curran mentioned, on his talk show this morning, cause it is true. Bobby went on to say the FF as expelled from UH, for academic reasons, after the fall semester. For that reason will not be allowed to attend UH this fall. If anyone doubts me, call Bobby Curran during his morning talk show, tomorrow.
Btw, I was very sad to hear that news. What a great waste of talent.
The BIG Question now is, can Hartong handle the OH duties. If not, the Wahine’s will be in big trouble this coming year. I feel Hartong WILL be able to handle the OH duties, but that is just my opinion.
I think Hartong will be able to play at outside. She won’t have the ball handling and digging abilities that Danielson had but I think with Longo coming in, it will all even out.
I am still wondering who will start out in the middle. Adolpho is the only one with the experience, but Vorster has the height. Tuaniga is a mystery and Hagins is also unknown.
Shoji has said Hartong will be OH for months now.
As for Fonoimoana, no one should be surprised. Have said for months they weren’t counting on her being eligible.
As for her being her being expelled after fall semester. that’s not true. She was enrolled this spring.
Cindy,
How do you know, since you have always said, you do not know what is going on with FF?
Are there things that you know about FF that you have been holding back? Come clean girl.
Steve, I have said for months that the coaches weren’t counting on Fonoimoana being eligible for fall. don’t know where you get off saying that I said I didn’t know anything about her.
Said she was in school. Said she was trying to get eligible.
What I don’t know is what her grades are nor how many credits she needed to make up.
Expelled??? Last day to register for Summer II, June 22.
Ladida,
Maybe, expelled is the wrong word to use, but according to Bobby Curran, FF is academically ineligible to attend UH after the Fall Semester.
Cindy,
I do not know where you got your info from regarding FF, but Bobby Curran mentioned the FF situation right after he had Dave Shoji on his talk show this morning. I am presuming, Bobby talked with Dave before he had him on, and that is what Dave told him. Knowing Dave cannot publicly say anything concerning FF.
Steve, I was not talking about NOW. if you go back and read your post. I was responding to your ‘you always said you didn’t know what was going on.
I was referring to things I’ve written in the past.
That she was in school. that she was trying to get eligible.
And that no on e should be surprised she isn’t eligible. That the coaches have said for months they have not counted on her.
Your comment that Fonoimoana ISN”T eligible AFTER the fall semester doesn’t make sense.
neither was your original comment via Bobby that she was expelled AFTER last Fall.
We all know she was in school this past spring.
Cindy,
Ok, I’ll give you the first part of your response. But for the 2nd part, I am just restating what Bobby Curran said this morning, after having Dave Shoji on his show. That FF was academically ineligible to attend UH after the Fall Semester 2011. To put it simply, she was not attending UH the Spring Semester 2012, even tho people saw her around the Athletic Department. Bobby went on to say, that she will not be enrolled at UH for the coming Fall Semester 2012. I repeat, this is not coming from me, I am JUST restating what Bobby Curran said.
FF is academically ineligible to attend UH after the Fall Semester???
ladida,
According to Bobby Curran, FF was academically ineligible after the Fall Semester 2011. So she was not attending UH, the Spring Semester 2012, this is according to Bobby Curran.
not arguing with you Steve.
and since I didn’t hear what Bobby said I am not going to comment.
Both Shoji and Wong told me she was in school in spring and this is when I asked them during the men’s season..
and as I’ve said for months. no surprise she wouldn’t be eligible this fall. 2012. the coaches weren’t expecting to have her.
Who to believe, Bobby Curran, or Cindy Luis, hmmmm.
One thing they both mention in common, FF will not be playing for the Wahine in 2012.
What purpose would Cindy have for lying?
She doesn’t gain anything one way or the other.
I find what you have to say difficult to believe sometimes, tho.
Excuse me but what exactly am I ‘lying’ about? The coaches told me she was in school and I believe them. They had hoped to have her but not counting on her.
my question, since I didn’t hear Bobby’s show is
What exactly was said?
That Fonoimoana was ineligible to play IN fall 2011. (yes)
That Fonoimoana was ineligible to play AFTER fall 2011 (yes, because she had to make up 2 semesters)
Are we confusing playing eligibility with academic standings?
Hard to believe that she would not be allowed back into UH after fall semester since usually they put students on academic probation before ‘expelling’ them.
Cindy never ever said FF wouldn’t be playing.
I never said Fonoimoana would be playing. Have said all along that she had a lot of school to catch up on. And that the coaches weren’t planning on having her in fall but that it would be a bonus is she were eligible.
OHs: (1)Falyn F., (2)Emily H., (3)Ashley K., (4)Tai M-O
OPPs: (1)Jane C., (2)Kaela G.
Setters: (1)Mita U., (2)Elizabeth B.
MBs: (1-BB)Kalei A., (2)Jade V.; (3)Kristiana T., (4)Stephanie H.
Liberos: (1-walkon)Emily M., (2)Ali L.
DSs: 12+ hopefuls lead by Courtney L.
—
Sand: (1)Ginger L., (2)Monica S., (3)Sophie A.???, (4)
Where’s the ‘delete’ button?
OHs: (1)Falyn F., (2)Emily H., (3)Ashley K., (4)Tai M-O
OPPs: (1)Jane C., (2)Kaela G.
Setters: (1)Mita U., (2)Elizabeth B.
MBs: (1-BB)Kalei A., (2)Jade V., (3)Kristiana T., (4)Stephanie H.
Liberos: (1-walkon)Emily M., (2)Ali L.
DSs: 12+ hopefuls led by Courtney L.
—
Sand: (1)Ginger L., (2)Monica S., (3)Sophie A.???, (4)
Agree with all except, I think Shar will redshirt quarter way thru the season. Who is Sophie A. ????? a first for me.
Really confused by the last two comments. why have Fonoimoana?
I hope Hartong can handle OH duties full time. I’m thinking she’ll be like Maja Gustin in 2001, when Shoji moved her outside after almost making AA as a freshman MB. Hartong made AA as MB, so I was hoping they would keep her there. They may not have Kanani-type terminators on the outside for now, but they have Croson to build on there and all they need is another OH who doesn’t need to be an AA-type but can take swings and not make a lot of errors. They can still have Hartong as a major weapon as MB, like the time they had Prince in 2004 and Boogaard/Arnott at OH. And they can have a few players splitting time at OPP like they did with Hittle/Fotu/Thurlby.
I’m thinking:
OH/Primary Passer: Croson
OH: Kastl
MB: Hartong
MB: Adolpho/Vorster/Tuaniga/Hagins/whoever
S: Uiato
OPP: Goodman/Long/Adolpho/a DS to take back row rotations
L: Maeda/Longo
This is just my opinion. I think this is very similar to the 2004 squad.
OH/Passer: Boogaard
OH: Arnott
MB: Prince
MB: Gregory/Eckmier/Sanders
S: Kamana’o
OPP: Hittle/Fotu/Thurlby
L: Watanabe
DS: Ong/Woolford
The difference is that 2004′s Hittle/Fotu/Thurlby combo at OPP was part of the passing rotation. Arnott was not. This season, Kastl could figure in the passing formation so that the OPP doesn’t need to.
idk about Vorster, she looked like she needs a LOT of work. How many overpasses fell behind her during that Nittaidai scrimmage? It’s almost unacceptable (at this level) for a front row player to not be able to recognize the opportunity to kill an overpass.
I like Tuaniga’s feistiness, however I think Shoji brought in Hagins because he knew that neither Vorster/Tuaniga would be viable in the middle if we want any chance at making it further in the tournament.
This is what I hope happens…Adolpho settles in nicely to her role as MB, Tuaniga solidifies other MB position. Vorster would be more a blocking sub for Tuaniga.
I think the trio of Hartong, Croson, and Kastl will kind of have the same roles as did Cubi-Otineru, Danielson, and Ferrel. One of the OH’s may play on the right for some rotations and the Opposite play on the left:
I could see Kastl being opposite, next to (L2) Croson. For the two rotations that they are in the front together, Kastl would swing on the left, Croson on the right since she does have international experience as an Opp. Rotation 1 in which Hartong & Kastl are up front, they go swing at their respective pins. Kastl would be DS’ed out. The DS would probably be in the passing rotation to relieve a OH from passing duties to focus on offense…or be pinched out, depending our our passing game.
Should Hagins be legit, by all means…hope she gets the eventual nod @ the other MB position opp of Adolpho.
In Shoji’s system for the left and rightside hitters, the starter on the left hits two rotations on the left and once on the right, and the starter on the right vice versa.
from the blog of the SA’s best sports reporter Tsai says :
“In case you had any doubts, Dave Shoji said that outside hitter Falyn Fonoimanoa will not play for the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team this year.
“Let’s put that to bed now,” Shoji said.
Vinny, never said Fonoimoana would be playing for UH.
and I never said you did.
Thank goodness that issue can finally be laid to rest. Apparently, all Tsai had to do was ask:
“So, I’m wandering around campus yesterday afternoon, trying to take non-blurry photos, and I see Shoji. And the first thing he does is cover his face. Then we’re in the elevator together, and I figured, you know, I’m just going to ask the question: What’s up with FF?
And that’s when he said no, no, no. She will not play this year for UH.”
Even without FF this will be a very good team . Agree with WaWa about the middles but I am a little higher on what Vorster can contribute. Jane can hit the ball from anywhere, Kastl can put it on the floor and Emile just gets better and better. We also have a top notch setter and a slue of defensive specialists. We can’t replace Kanani but over-all we may be stronger than last year.
We’ll see what happens in the fall practices. The comment about Vorster … Hewitt wasn’t all that when she first came. The redshirt year was good for her and I expect Vorster to develop as well.
Hartong will excel wherever she is put and there is always the option to move her back to middle. But Shoji said this spring he wanted her at OH. much will depend on how the other middles hold up in camp and early matches.
Cindy,
I see Vorster becoming better then Hewitt, if she stays healthy. The reason for that, practice, which Hewitt was not really able to do during parts of her sophomore year, and not able to, almost, at all during her junior year. As you know, practice is when players get better.
Hagins played in 25 sets and hit 191 as a middle for an extremely weak Washington State team. What is there that would give her “the nod” over any of the current middles? I’ll go with Adolpho, Vorster or even a healthy Tuaniga.
Where did my Reply to this go?
If you are referring to my comment I said, “the eventual nod.” That’s providing that Hagins is legit and that she proves/earns the starting job over Vorster/Tuaniga.
Adolpho at the other MB spot to start the season is almost a given.
I see 3 definite starters, Uiato (setter), Hartong (OH-Left), and Croson (OH-Left). Vorster and Hagins will battle for one middle position, with other middle position going to either Adolpho or Tuaniga. The RS will come down to Goodman or Kastl. The libero position will go to either Longo or Maeda. The only way I see Hartong going back to Middle, is in a crisis situation. The reason I say that, with Hartong in the Middle it will severely weaken the outside positions. This is all my opinion.
My turn. For starters Uiato at setter, Croson, Hartong and Kastl OH, with either Kastl or Hartong to start at RS. For MB Hagins will surprise and start. Last year she went thru 2 injuries, sitting out entire month of Sept. Hopefully staying injury free, she will showcase the high expectations that she had coming out of HS. For the second middle knowing Shoji he will give Adolpho first crack, cause he knows what she can do under pressure game situations. Also reading Shoji’s mind he will give Maeda first crack at Libero. If she falters with serve receive in goes Longo, but I hope he is a little more patient with Maeda than he did last year.
Well, at least this year if Maeda is pulled and Longo goes in, the change is at least justified. Unlike last year when he pulled Maeda when she was starting to be consistent and replaced her with a far weaker player. I hope Shoji has learned that Blake is not Ka’aihue. They may be the same size and body type, but Ka’aihue had great instincts and extremely quick feet on defense. I felt bad for Lee when she was replaced, but I couldn’t complain especially seeing how Ka’aihue turned out.
Both Maeda and Longo will see plenty of playing time, one at libero and the other at DS which Shoji will use on most rotations. IMHO. The middle that is most effective on the step-out hit will start. We need to keep the opposition honest in the middle if our outside hitters are to be successful. I have my tickets and I can hardly wait to see if this is a top 16 team that will host a play-off match. .
Why does HI have a difficult time with truth?
A: They prefer to be slapped around by reality (depending upon where they’re seeded by the NCAA).
—.
*UH will be ranked 10-12 the whole season only to be”miraculously” placed in the top 5 come early December.
…go figure that one out before you delete,
Don’t know what your comment is in reference to. What truth?
UH hasn’t miraculously been placed in the Top 5 in early December. They have moved up in the rankings during the season based on their wins and record
That they finished ranked No. 5 in the final Coaches Poll (meaningless as it is) was a statement by the coaches to the seeding committee regarding UH’s low seed in the tournament. it’s not like UH voted themselves No 5. there were 60 voters.
I see this coming Fall as the same senario as last season for the National Championship. There is no dominant team, probably as many as a dozen including Hawaii, in the mix. Hopefully the move to the BW will enhance UH’s chances of recruiting more top rated Cali HS players that the BCS schools are constantly scooping up every year. We will see what happens with recruiting starting this year. Shoji year after year waves his magic wand and does miracles working with the players he has. Times running short.
mauna,
Need to wait till 2014, to see if belonging to the Big West will help recruiting. The available scholarships for 2013 already taken by 2 Hawaii High School girls.
I don’t track scholies, if a top rated player that has UH in sight this next recruiting season, and really wants to come here, I’m sure Shoji would work something out. Also all players on scholies this season, will they all be back or maybe switch to sand scholie?
don’t know if they can switch to sand and still play indoor as walk-ons the rules have changed a bit to allow for that but there is some sitting out of a season.
As far as I know, if you’re on sand scholie you can’t play indoors for the school year you’re on sand and then the next indoor season.
agree Mauna but the problem is no matter how good the team is all will depend on seeding. and they have no control over that. I’ve heard there’s been some backlash from last year’s seeding so they may start looking at the coaches poll as one of the criteria. Hawaii deserved to be in the final four last year. as did USC. until they quit the BCS mentality, there will be no fairness.
Hey Cindy, talking about magic wand, is that one of the ideas that you folks have been kicking around as the theme for the Wahine Volleyball Preview for SA? Let’s see Aug 22 issue SA, gotta wait till then.
no magic wand. old-timers will remember Shoji dressed as a magician on the cover of the VB media guide Think it was 84
as for this year, sorry you’ll have to wait. may give hints after we finalize it
Yes I do remember that one. I’m sure this year’s will be another memorable one, you guys always do a great job. Thalnk you.
Take note that Dave said that FF won’t play for the Wahine THIS YEAR. Keep the faith.
Also according to digg’n na wahine Croson and Summer Ross have partnered up in a CBVA tournament this weekend at Will Rodgers State Beach in Cali.
http://diggingnawahine.blogspot.com/2012/06/croson-and-summer-ross-partner-up-ross.html#links
Yes, i believe there is still a chance she’d be able to play in 2013. she’d have 2 years left.
Count down to UH joining the big west on its website.
Croson and Ross took 2nd place, both of them earned AAA rating. I’m not sure if Jane is gonna go to Summer II, but the next AAA tournament is in July.
Small fact: Jane has partnered in beach tournaments with Monica Stauber, Falyn Fonoimoana and Haleigh Hampton.
Jane wont be attending Summer 2, it looks like she wont be back until August.
Used to be all players went to summer school. I hope she doesn’t have so much fun on the mainland that she doesn’t want to come back.
She’s just enjoying her summer break as she should. As much as it is an honor to be a Wahine, it’s a also a huge responsibility and the pressure that comes with it can either make or break anyone.
How many college students do you know bother to travel and train this much while on summer break?
So far, she’s been on at least 3 beach tournaments and heard she’ll be on a few more. She’s a natural born athlete who is self-motivated and nevertheless grounded.
So good for her for enjoying this break because we will count on her this upcoming season as one of our go to hitters to try to fill the voids seniors last year left us with.
that’s not true that all players used to go to summer school. Many did so to keep up academic progress when taking lighter loads during their seasons. Can’t imagine why she wouldn’t be coming back.
Jane told me at the first tournament at Queen’s that Shoji was allowing her to play beach this summer. She’s a smart kid, she’ll be back the first week of August.
Her choice not to attend summer school if she doesn’t need to.
Looks like someone’s working overtime to update the bios on the women volley site. Don’t forget red raiders not red rainbows.
And that Maeda is a LIBERO
Also, Hartong is an OH, now.
Cindy,
When you going put up a NEW Blog heading? Just wondering.
Not an awful lot going on pumpkin.
Anyone know if there’s any major facelift on Wahine’s uniform now that their moving to Big West? I think the Men’s uniform change draw some interest even though a lot of folks here didnt like it.
I’m hoping the Wahine will have something completely different this year but keep the colors we’ve grown accustomed (sp) to. It will be good to have a change to help celebrate Wahine’s comeback to the conference.
Which past uniforms did everyone like. I didn’t like long sleeves in hot Klum days. I liked the rainbow colors and first names on the back.