Saturday, December 8, 2001
[ WAHINE VOLLEYBALL ]
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LONG BEACH, Calif. >> The Hawaii volleyball team's trek to the Sweet 16 made Dave Shoji's 27th year of coaching a fond memory instead of one he'd soon forget. Rewarding year for Wahine
By Grace Wen
gwen@starbulletin.com
After a 3-4 start that punctuated the loss of Lily Kahumoku, the Wahine achieved nearly as much as past squads that were loaded with talent. UCLA ended Hawaii's season on Thursday in the regional semifinal. The Wahine finish the season 29-6.
"I think we've left people's mouths dropping from what we were able to accomplish," setter Margaret Vakasausau said. "People saw us in the NACWAA this year and they thought this team sucks. I think we proved people otherwise.
"This team really came on and made so much progress. Everyone sucked it up in practice and the coaches remained really positive with us whenever anyone doubted the fact we didn't have Lily or the fact that (Jennifer) Saleaumua didn't come."
Shoji can use 2001 as a lesson in perseverance and hard work. Despite what wasn't there, this particular group of players made it easy for him to coach.
"Having to try to figure out how to get the most out of every player was very challenging," Shoji said. "But it wasn't a difficult season. Some years, it's tough to go to the gym. It's tough to look forward to practice. I think we all looked forward to going to the practice gym. We had a small group. They responded well, they worked hard."
And he says that early wins against NCAA tournament-bound teams like Kansas State, Cincinnati and Utah State helped set the tone for the season. The Wahine didn't have to squeak into the tournament as Shoji had feared earlier.
This year's team didn't have the talent and wasn't as physical but still managed to win with a ton of defense and only two real offensive options.
"We've had more physical players in those positions, but we've never had a team that's fought as hard or competed as well," Shoji said. "That team should not have won 27 (actually 24) straight matches or whatever it was."
Credit the determination of Vakasausau and Kim Willoughby, who never let the level of play drop in practice or matches. Both were in their first year in impact roles.
The Wahine return the core of the team next year with six juniors and three seniors. Willoughby (a likely All-American selection) and Kahumoku will probably anchor the offense. Shoji has said that Willoughby can't and shouldn't bear all the burden next year. Kahumoku is expected to be opposite Willoughby and she's told him she'll be back in Manoa on Jan. 7.
Maja Gustin, an all-conference performer in two positions, will probably shift back to the middle and provide a legitimate threat as a blocker and a hitter. Sophomores Nohea Tano and Lauren Duggins and freshman Melody Eckmier have gained extensive playing experience. The battle for playing time should be fierce with a healthy Eckmier, and Tano and Duggins spending time in the weight room to get stronger.
Defensive demons Hedder Ilustre and Melissa Villaroman will be patrolling the back row again.
Hawaii loses only senior Tanja Nikolic, a utility player for most of her career. The Wahine also have commitments from setter Cayley Thurlby of Naperville, Ill., and rightside hitter Susie Boogaard of Bellflower, Calif.
The 5-foot-11 Thurlby will push Vakasausau and Jen Carey as all three vie for playing time. Carey could also train as a hitter on the right side (she did both this season after losing her starting job to Vakasausau), but that will depend on offseason evaluations.
Shoji believes that Boogaard could come in and contribute immediately. The 6-2 hitter could be the option on the right that was missing from the Wahine's attack this year.
Shoji said that he's also searching for one more dynamic piece to add to the mix and may go the foreigner route or look at the junior colleges.
While making plans to be in New Orleans, La., (the site of next year's final four) for a Cajun Christmas could be a little premature, other coaches are already predicting big things for next year.
"Their coaching staff has done a tremendous job of getting it done and finding ways to win," Eastern Washington coach Wade Benson said. "And next year they're going to be really, really good."
UH Athletics
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