Hawaii Beat
Star-Bulletin staff
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Wahine upbeat as practice looms
With more depth at every position matching a challenging schedule, the Hawaii women's volleyball team opens two-a-day practices tomorrow with two goals in mind: get better every day and exceed expectations.
The Rainbow Wahine are coming off a 27-6 season in which they won their 12th consecutive Western Athletic Conference title but also lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament for the first time.
"The team is going to be good, think we definitely have more depth than last year," said sophomore Dani Mafua, who again will compete for the starting setter's position with returning junior Stephanie Brandt. "Everyone has a good attitude and more confident playing with each other. It's going to be a really good season."
Hawaii returns six starters, including WAC Player of the Year Jamie Houston, a senior outside hitter.
The Wahine kick off a challenging schedule Aug. 29 with defending national champion Penn State.
"The schedule is very challenging," said UH coach Dave Shoji, beginning his 34th season. "It's got teams that will definitely challenge us, teams we need to beat if we're going to be a good team."
Kono ousted at Women’s Amateur
Whitney Neuhauser eliminated Honolulu's Stephanie Kono 1 up yesterday in the round of 16 at the U.S. Women's Amateur golf championship at Eugene (Ore.) Country Club.
Neuhauser, of Barboursville, Va., moves on to the quarterfinals.
Freestone takes PGA Assistant lead
Thomas Freestone of Princeville Golf Club's Makai Course shot a 2-under 70 to take a three-stroke lead over Regan Lee of Pearl Country Club in the Aloha Section PGA Assistant Professional Championship golf tournament yesterday at Mid-Pacific Country Club.
The 36-hole event will determine two spots into the PGA Assistant Professional national championship, Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, at the Wanamaker Course at the PGA Golf Club at Port St. Lucie, Fla.