After going undefeated last weekend against NJIT, the No. 2-ranked University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors are set for their first test of the season against No. 7-ranked Loyola University Chicago.
Opening week offered a glimpse of a more experienced Hawaiʻi squad, committing just 11 errors through two matches while hitting .517 in both sweeps.
“The third year is usually the payoff year,” head coach Charlie Wade said. “They’re calmer, more mature.”
One of the clearest examples of that maturity was junior outside hitter Louis Sakanoko, who recorded no errors through the opening weekend, tallying 10 kills and a .667 hitting percentage.
“His perspective on what he is capable of and what he needs to do to help the team win is a lot better than it was three years ago,” Wade said.
Hawaiʻi’s maturity will be immediately tested as it faces one of the top teams in the country, the defending MIVA champions from Loyola Chicago.
Almost exactly two years ago, the Ramblers played a preseason match at the Stan Sheriff Center, defeating the Warriors in five sets (18-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23, 15-13).
But Wade and company are ready for round two, looking for a different result.
“We’re pissed off they beat us the last time they were here, there’s that,” Wade said. “They’re going to be very organized, very prepared.”
“They’ve come a week early, they’re coming here to beat us, and we know that,” sophomore outside hitter Adrien Roure said.
Loyola Chicago brings a fast-paced offense to Honolulu, leading the nation with 12.50 assists per set and 13.35 kills per set in 2025.
The leader of the Ramblers is Ryan McGelliot, who returns in 2026 as one of the best setters in the country. McGelliot led the nation in assists per set at 10.90, while Hawaiʻi junior setter Tread Rosenthal ranked third nationally, averaging 10.65.
“He’s running it fast,” Wade said. “It’s not what he does physically, but what he does with the ball. It puts a lot of pressure on the defense.”
Still, the Rainbow Warriors believe they are prepared for the challenge as they look to protect home court at the Stan Sheriff Center.
“We’re ready for it,” Roure said.