Coordinates set for Omaha

It's not hard to find the Qwest Center once one gets to Omaha. It's about a 10-minute drive from the airport, 4.85 miles from Abbott Drive to Cuming Street to N. 12th to Capitol to 455 N. 10th St. (Yes, you'll pass through Iowa briefly, but don't worry).

The difficulty is getting to Omaha via the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship Tournament bracket. Miss an exit -- be it the first, second, third or fourth round -- and the season's ride comes to a dead end.

The directions are basic. Win and keep going.

The coaches of the four regional hosts -- Hawaii, Texas, Florida and Washington -- agree on one thing. Being at home for a regional (round of 16 and elite eight) is a plus when making plans to be at the Qwest Center on Dec. 14 and 16.

Especially for Hawaii, which has been shipped off the last two years to Colorado State and Texas for first and second rounds despite a high ranking and guaranteed crowds that might exceed the attendance total of the 16 chosen sub-regional sites combined.

"Having the regional here ... it makes sense to keep us at home for the first and second rounds," Hawaii coach Dave Shoji said. "We have to do our part so they'll keep us home. Given our traveling the past two years to the regional, it will be very nice to stay home.

"And that should give our team more than enough motivation."

But getting to the final four will require more than a homecourt advantage. There's got to be some luck when it comes to the NCAA bracket (think No. 8 Hawaii at No. 8 Texas for a second round last year).

And even if the Rainbow Wahine get to Omaha, there's no guarantee that a fifth national title is waiting at the end of the road. Hawaii has advanced to five final fours since its last title in 1987 only to finish second two times and third the last three.

"Can we win it?" Shoji asked rhetorically. "If everything falls into place, if we get a break on the (NCAA tournament) schedule, if we stay healthy. It's pretty wide open this year, no real dominating team. We have just as good a shot as a lot of other teams."

A matter of percentage

Going the distance

NCAA championships by school. Stanford 6 Hawaii 3 Long Beach State 3 UCLA 3 USC 3

NCAA championship title matches by school. Stanford 11 UCLA 7 Hawaii 5 Long Beach State 5

NCAA Regional Appearances