5 Wahine to miss exhibition

Alicia Arnott decides not to return for her final year with the Hawaii volleyball team

Alicia Arnott's decision not to return for her final year with the Hawaii volleyball team affects not only in the upcoming fall season but also Thursday's spring exhibition match against Arizona.

Arnott, a 6-foot left-side hitter, is one of five Rainbow Wahine who will not compete against the Wildcats at the Stan Sheriff Center. Middles Juliana Sanders and Nickie Thomas, and outside hitters Tara Hittle and Jessica Keefe are also expected to miss the match.

VOLLEYBALL Who: Hawaii vs. Arizona When: Thursday Time: 7 p.m. Where: Stan Sheriff Center Tickets: $10 for lower level; $3 to $6 for upper level Information: 944-2697

Thomas and Keefe had knee surgeries following season-ending injuries last fall. Hittle is also recuperating from a foot injury that kept her out most of last year, and Sanders has been bothered by chronic shin problems.

Hawaii coach Dave Shoji also had expected to be without outside hitter Amber Kaufman, who is competing in the high jump for the Rainbow Wahine track team. However, Kaufman will play Thursday instead of traveling to the mainland for a track meet.

Setter Kanoe Kamana'o and outside hitter Sarah Mason, both of whom completed their eligibility last December, are also going to play against Arizona. Shoji said Kamana'o will have limited setting duties, with redshirt freshman Dani Mafua running the offense for most of the night.

As for Arnott, who led the team in kills as a sophomore in 2004, Shoji said, "We appreciate all she's done for the program in the four years she's been with us. It was her decision and we wish her all the best."

Arnott could not be reached for comment.

Arnott, an All-State selection out of La Pietra, redshirted last season. She was a first-team All-Western Athletic Conference selection and an AVCA West Region honorable mention her sophomore year, but saw limited action as a junior in 2005.