After dropping two matches this past weekend, the University of Hawai’i Rainbow Wahine volleyball team heads out on its longest road trip of the season: a three-match Southern California swing facing Long Beach State and UC San Diego.
Though Hawai’i has now lost three straight, Assistant Coach Nick Costello still has high hopes for the Wahine squad.
“It’s not the outcome we wanted, but especially with the youth we have, we’re just looking for these mini victories,” Costello said. “We’re taking a step forward.”
After tallying just 11 kills and hitting in the negatives last weekend, freshman outside hitter Cha’lei Reid bounced back in Sunday’s loss, posting 15 kills on a .382 hitting percentage.
“When certain players are on, they’re on it,” Costello said.
Reid’s cousin, senior outside hitter Tyla Reese Mane, also had a standout weekend, finishing with 11 kills and hitting .346.
“When she’s having a good night, it definitely puts us in a closer position to get the results we want,” Costello added.
In the middle, senior blocker Bri Gunderson recorded 13 kills and four blocks while hitting .500. After spending the past few matches at outside hitter, Gunderson has returned to her more familiar position on the pins.
“Definitely more comfortable,” Gunderson said. “On the right side, my head was spinning, just trying to figure out how I can play that role the best I can.”
Vibes have been high this week at practice, and Costello says the ‘Bows are focused and ready to right the ship.
“The ladies set the tone coming in on Monday and went to work,” Costello said. “We’re gonna sharpen our swords as best we can and travel safely.”
Hawai’i (6-11, 2-4 Big West Conference) has won its last four matchups against Long Beach State (12-5, 5-1 BWC) but knows a battle awaits.
The Beach enters the weekend leading the Big West in both kills per set (13.84) and blocks per set (2.56).
Redshirt freshman opposite Logan King leads Long Beach with 3.65 kills per set, third in the conference, and adds 4.33 points per set. Sophomore setter Madi Maxwell ranks second in the Big West with 9.70 assists per set.
Meanwhile, the Wahine have dominated UC San Diego (4-14, 2-4 BWC) in recent years, winning the last nine matchups and remaining undefeated against the Tritons since their move to Division I.
UCSD sophomore outside hitter Molly McCluskey ranks second in the conference in total points (288), kills (245), and attacks (667).
Hawai’i will take on Long Beach State at 3 p.m. HST on ESPNU, then face UC San Diego at 3 p.m. HST Saturday in La Jolla, live on CBS 1500.