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Wednesday, January 31, 2001
Pepperdine The Hawaii women's volleyball program could land a top transfer.
all-star hopes to
transfer to UH
Jennifer Fopma seeks release;
Cal State Northridge outside hitter
Hedder Ilustre also seeking transferBy Pat Bigold
Star-BulletinJennifer Fopma, Pepperdine's All-Pacific Region sophomore middle blocker, said last night from her Malibu dorm that she wants to be a Rainbow Wahine.
Fopma said she expects to obtain her release from the Waves' volleyball program very soon.
She would fill a critical need for Dave Shoji's 2001 squad. Shoji said recently he doesn't expect Veronica Lima, his 6-foot-3 All-WAC starting middle blocker, to return next season.
Lima, who was a junior, is back in her native Brazil contemplating her future. Shoji said Lima has talked about playing club ball and hopes eventually to be asked to join the Brazilian national team.
Shoji has a second vacancy in the starting lineup with 6-3 senior outside hitter Jessica Sudduth finishing her eligibility.
The 6-3 Fopma visited Hawaii on a 1999 recruiting trip while she was attending Valley Christian High School in Bellflower, Calif.
Last season, Fopma averaged 3.10 kills and 1.29 blocks a game, and hit .386 in leading Pepperdine to a 24-7 record.
The Waves got to the second round of the NCAA Championships and lost in four games to Kansas State.
"I've always loved Hawaii," said Fopma, whose team lost two matches to Hawaii at the Stan Sheriff Center last fall. "Their program is amazing."
She had 17 kills and was in on 14 blocks against the Wahine in the two matches here on Sept. 22 and Sept. 23.
"I think (All-American) Lily (Kahumoku) and Kim (Willoughby) are incredible players," said Fopma. "And I'd love to play with Jenn (Carey). I've never had a tall setter."
She said she likes Carey's high sets.
Also expected to be part of the Wahine program is 5-7 Cal State Northridge outside hitter Hedder Ilustre, younger sister of former Wahine Heidi Ilustre.
She is also trying to obtain her release and would probably be used as a libero here when that rule takes effect next season in NCAA women's volleyball.
Ilustre averaged 3.64 digs per game last season.
Fopma was turned down for her release on her initial request but is appealing.
"It's been a tough process," said Fopma, who sounded optimistic that the matter would soon be resolved.
Shoji and his staff would not comment on the possibilities of obtaining Fopma and Illustre.
With three seniors leaving the program and Lima possibly not returning, Shoji has up to four scholarships to fill.
Jennifer Saleaumua, a 5-11 outside hitter who led her Bonita Vista (Calif.) prep team to a national No. 1 ranking, already has officially claimed one of the available Wahine scholarships.
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
