UH closes in on top seed
By Cindy Luis
in WAC’s Pacific Division
Star-BulletinIt's Fan Appreciation Night Saturday at the Special Events Arena. The best gift the University of Hawaii women's volleyball team could give its faithful is victories over Texas Christian and Southern Methodist, which would clinch the Pacific Division's top seed for the Wahine in the upcoming WAC Tournament. UH coach Dave Shoji, an avid golfer, sees similarities between the final regular-season homestand and the match-play format in golf. In that sense, the Wahine have a 3-up lead over San Diego State and Fresno State with four matches to go. A sweep of TCU tomorrow and SMU Saturday would make it 3 and 2, guaranteeing a second consecutive Pacific title.
"Both TCU and SMU gave us trouble at times on the road," said Shoji, whose team fell a spot to No. 15 in the latest coaches poll. "We respect them. But I think we won't have any problems being fired up for the week. It being maybe our last matches at home this season.
"It's a real possibility these two matches could be it. If we win the WAC Tournament, I think there's no question we'll host (postseason play). But we're on the bubble right now and you never know what the NCAA (selection committee) is thinking."
Hawaii's thoughts this week are on reestablishing its rhythm and giving a proper send-off to its two seniors, Cia Goods and Therese Crawford.
The Wahine had a shaky road trip last week, going 2-1. They looked vulnerable at times in wins at San Diego State and UNLV and were completely outclassed at Long Beach State.
"We've been so up and down lately," Shoji said. "We've been winning, but not playing well consistently. Some of it's my fault. I've been monkeying with the lineup. It's time to stick with a starting lineup and only change if someone is really struggling."
TCU and SMU are fighting to stay in the top six in the Pacific Division and advance to the WAC Tournament (Nov. 24-28 in Las Vegas). The VolleyFrogs shocked San Jose State in five Saturday; the Mustangs lost to Fresno State and San Jose State last week and are tied with SJSU for fourth in the WAC.
"On paper, SMU looks to be tougher," Shoji said. "Both are second-year programs that are competitive. And what that says is there's a lot of good volleyball players in the country. If you get a few good athletes, you can train them and become competitive quickly."
The VolleyFrogs are led by Jill Pape, who is averaging 3.62 kills and 2.91 digs a game. Sophomore Erin Pryor leads SMU with 3.83 kills per game.
NEW NO. 1: As expected, Long Beach State moved into the top spot following Wisconsin's upset over previously unbeaten Penn State. But the 49ers were not a unanimous choice in the AVCA/USA Today coaches poll.
The Beach captured 40 first-place votes, with the second-ranked Nittany Lions earning eight and defending NCAA champ and No. 3 Stanford 18. Wisconsin, which moved from seventh to fifth in the poll, received the other vote.
BIG SHOWDOWN: Hawaii Pacific has been out of the NAIA poll the past two weeks. And the Sea Warriors must win tonight's Far West-Hawaii playoff to have a chance to qualify for the postseason.
Top-ranked Brigham Young-Hawaii (23-0) hosts HPU at 7:30 p.m. at Cannon Activities Center. The Seasiders have defeated the Sea Warriors in 16 consecutive meetings, including three straight-set wins this season.
BYU-Hawaii is 69-2 in games this year and hasn't dropped a set in its last 16 matches. Should HPU win, the teams would meet again at St. Andrew's Priory Friday for the automatic berth in the NAIA National Tournament.
BIG SHOWDOWN II: The Pacific West Conference is spread out among three time zones and five states, but the power is concentrated in Hawaii. Chaminade and Hawaii-Hilo begin their title-determining four-match series this week.
The Silverswords (9-1) travel to the Big Island for 7:15 p.m. matches at the UHH gym Friday and Saturday. The Vulcans (9-1) come to Oahu next Friday and Saturday for matches at McCabe Gym.
The facts
Thursday: TCU (12-14, 3-8) at No. 15 Hawaii (19-5, 10-0), 7 p.m.
1997 UH Wahine Volleyball Schedule
http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu
