IRVINE, Calif. — There is a belief that no matter the outcome of today’s MPSF semifinal match, the volleyball Warriors still have a good chance of earning a berth in next week’s NCAA tournament. But in the ya-never-know category, the Warriors are treating this as yet another must-win match. Except for outside hitter Hendrik Mol, who is being treated for an eye infection at UCLA Medical Center, the Warriors are relatively healthy. Outside hitter Scott Hartley, who had been dealing […]

Two sort of cool things occurred yesterday: > The Warriors announced the results of the players’ votes for team captains. The winners: Quarterback Max Wittek, center/tackle Ben Clarke, outside linebacker Lance Williams and cornerback Ne’Quan Phillips. Williams was selected last year despite entering the 2014 season as a reserve. This spring, Williams has practiced with the No. 1 unit. Starter or reserve, teammates recognize Williams’ contributions and leadership. > It started several years ago as a dinner to honor academic […]

The volleyball Warriors were scheduled to depart this morning in advance of Thursday’s MPSF semifinal match against Pepperdine. The Warriors reported to school this morning for the 5 a.m. bus ride to the airport. Middle blocker Taylor Averill was soaked when he arrived at the Stan Sheriff Center parking lot. “When you’re living in Manoa and it’s raining constantly, (the rain will) get you after a while,” Averill said, smiling. As for the playoff match, Averill said: “We’re stoked. We […]

It would be more than understandable if two people, both of whom will soon be former UH employees, spent their remaining time on their contracts pursuing their next endeavors. After all, UH decided it didn’t work out and is going in another direction, but will honor the financial obligation of the contracts. But UH being UH — and under scrutiny for its spending — a past year’s coach and administrator will remain on the Lower Campus for at least another […]

During last night’s MPSF quarterfinal match, nobody cheered more enthusiastically — well, except for Stretch, PowderPuff and Kolby Kanetake’s family — than Jeff Hall. As an assistant coach and then associate head coach, Hall played a large role in assembling the Warrior team that now will play Pepperdine in the MPSF semifinals. Hall also was the point recruiter for a 2015 men’s volleyball class that is widely regarded as the nation’s best. With a strong endorsement from Charlie Wade, Hall […]

For the first time in five years, the Stan Sheriff Center will be the site for an MPSF volleyball playoff match when Long Beach State and Hawaii meet in the quarterfinals tonight. Here are things to know: > Middle: LBSU’s Taylor Gregory is one of the nation’s best middles, averaging 1.58 blocks per set. He’s smart, active and models his game after former LBSU All-American David Lee’s. UH’s Taylor Averill is the best attacking middle since Pepperdine’s Brad Keenan a […]

Taylor Averill might not be the MPSF’s player of the year, but he certainly ranks high for sportsmanship. Averill, who is certain to be named an All-American next week, was genuinely happy that teammates Siki Zarkovic, Brook Sedore, Jennings Franciskovic and Kolby Kanetake received recognition from the MPSF. In nearly every interview, Averill acknowledges sports-performance trainer Daniel Mar Chong and athletic trainer Bruce Hamelin. Mar Chong is largely credited with Averill’s makeover. Under Mar Chong’s guidance, Averill lost fat, built […]

Middle blocker Taylor Averill and opposite Brook Sedore today were named to the All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation’s first team. Libero Kolby Kanetake, outside hitter Siki Zarkovic and setter Jennings Franciskovic were selected to the second team. Two key omissions: > Averill, who is widely considered the league’s best overall player, was not named player of the year. That went to UC Irvine opposite Zack La Cavera. > Middle blocker Davis Holt did not even receive honorable mention. There were some […]