OPPONENTS
Logan, Utah
(pop. 45,816)
UTAH STATE: What looked like the start of a renewed rivalry with the Wahine may have disappeared down Highway 89 with the departure of coach Burt Fuller to Utah.
Utah State
Oct. 6
4 p.m.
Stan Sheriff Center
NOV. 4
7 p.m.
Dee Glen Smith Spectrum (10,270)
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New coach Grayson DuBose did sign the Utah state player of the year in Hailey Jeppson, but it will be hard to replace Zuzana Cernianska and two All-WAC middles. Back is junior starter Monarisa Ale (Kahuku).
Did you know?: The city's name is derived from the Shoshone word "Kwagunogwai" meaning "river of the cranes."
If you go... The American West Heritage Center hosts seven festivals throughout the year.
Detour Ahead
Las Vegas, Nev.: pop. 545,147
The battle is on for a starting spot in the middle, and Kari Gregory is ready for the challenge.
"It's going to be a really exciting season," the junior middle blocker said. "We have a lot of returnees, a lot of people who stepped up last year.
"Personally, I'm excited to step in there and take the position. It's wide open and with all of us fighting every day in practice, the competition is going to be good."
As a freshman, Gregory shared a starting middle spot with Juliana Sanders. Last season, Sanders got most of the starts. Add sophomore Nickie Thomas and, possibly, freshman Amber Kaufman to the mix of the hotly contested positions.
Gregory has been hampered by injuries (knee and ring finger). She says she's healthy and confident.
"We have a lot of chemistry, the same goal and no selfishness," she said. "We're all here for the same reason. I think we can go farther than last year."
If you go... Enjoy the bright lights of the city. (The Eiffel Tower at Paris has a great view). Relax at the Red Rock Resort & Spa.
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Reno, Nev.
(pop. 180,480)
NEVADA : Is there life after Salaia Salave'a? Yes, but it won't be as much fun for the Wolf Pack nor Hawaii fans.
Nevada
Oct. 8
5 p.m.
Stan Sheriff Center
NOV. 2
5 p.m.
Virginia Street Gym (1,800)
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Coach Devin Scruggs landed the 23rd-ranked class, according to Prepvolleyball.com. It includes hitter Lelani Kleman-Maeva (Aiea). Scruggs is high on defensive specialist Randi Salis (Kamehameha), a transfer from Arkansas-Little Rock.
Did you know?: Sophomore defensive specialist Dana Henry is the reigning Miss Nevada and competed in the Miss America pageant last month.
If you go... The Great Reno Balloon Race, a hot-air balloon event, celebrates its 25th running next month at Rancho San Rafael Park west of the campus.
Boise, Idaho
(pop. 181,711)
BOISE STATE: Even with six starters returning, the Broncos likely will continue their struggles under new coach Robin Davis.
Boise State
Oct. 9
7 p.m.
Stan Sheriff center
NOV. 15
4 p.m.
Bronco gym (1,400)
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The bright spot for BSU has been All-WAC middle Cameron Flunder; the bad news for the Broncos -- it's her last season.
Did you know?: Troy McClain, a candidate on the first season of "The Apprentice," was offered a full-ride scholarship to any school of his choice by Donald Trump. McClain chose Boise State.
If you go... Check out CK Hawaiian BBQ at the Boise Spectrum, which offers a plate lunch of chicken katsu, kalua pork, Spam musubi and three cans of Hawaiian Sun.
Dip
Huntsville, Ala.: pop. 164,570
It comes as no surprise that someone raised near a space center would reach for the stars. That's Jamie Houston's goal ... always. Aim high.
"I think we're headed for a national championship," the sophomore hitter said. "Everything's looking good for this season. I think we can win it, if that's what everyone wants and works for."
Houston may spend time on the right and the left, much as she did last year.
"As long as I'm playing, I don't care which side I'm on," she said.
Houston's life road map includes volleyball, with stops on the national team and professionally overseas. But the present is just as exciting to her.
"We've got some great players who didn't have a chance last season because they were playing behind great players," she said. "Now they'll get a chance to show what they can do."
If you go... A must-see in the Rocket City is the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Houston's family is now in Jacksonville, Fla.; she recommends the Riverwalk. And shopping at Victoria's Secret anywhere.
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Ruston, La.
(pop. 22,000)
Louisiana Tech: The Lady Techsters have continued to improve -- they were 12-2 before the WAC opened -- but this may never be more than a basketball school.
Louisiana Tech
Oct. 12
2 p.m
thomas assembly center (8,000)
NOV. 10
7 p.m.
Stan Sheriff center
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They were 2-14 in the conference, swept nine times, and led the NCAA in five-game matches won (7), losing four. LaTech is young (one senior, six freshmen) and will again rotate setters -- using junior Jillann Walker and junior transfer Jenny Denton. Senior Ambra Hayes is 204 kills away from 1,000.
Did you know?: Athletic greats include Terry Bradshaw (football), Karl Malone (basketball) and Kim Mulkey-Robertson (basketball), one of the first girls to play Little League and 130-6 in her basketball career with four final fours and two national titles
If you go... The North Louisiana Military Museum explores 50 years of Louisiana military history. The Squire Creek Louisiana Peach Festival is held each June.
Las Cruces, N.M.
(pop. 78,000)
NEW MEXICO STATE: The Aggies have had eight months to mull over the NCAA snub of their 20-7 team as well as two five-game losses to Hawaii that might have gotten them a postseason bid.
New Mexico State
Oct. 13
3 p.m.
pan american center (13,071)
NOV. 12
5 p.m.
Stan Sheriff center
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NMSU returns six starters, including junior All-America middle Kim Oguh and middle Amber Simpson, the WAC Freshman of the Year. Also returning is senior Jackie Choi, arguably the second-best setter in the WAC behind Hawaii's Kamana'o. The Aggies, ranked 11th nationally in attendance (2,075), packed the Pan American Center last Oct. 1 with 7,115 for the Wahine. Expect the same Oct. 13.
Did you know?: Las Cruces, the "Heart of the Chile Capital," is home to the annual Whole Enchilada Fiesta and the International Mariachi Conference and Concert. ... The elevation is 3,896 feet.
If you go... The Trinity site, location of the first atomic bomb explosion on earth, is open to the public twice a year at White Sands Missile Range.