Rainbow Wahine The reigning national player of the year will be on the other side of the net tomorrow night. So, too, will be the freshman of the year ... and the coach of the year.
gear up for Cardinal
UH's Vakasausau warms up
with her 21st birthday cakeBy Cindy Luis
cluis@starbulletin.comThe Stanford women's volleyball team came to town today, bringing along the aforementioned POY in Logan Tom, FOY Ogonna Nnamani and COY John Dunning. While it won't be sewn on the Cardinal's uniforms, Stanford will be wearing the label of defending national champion.
Margaret Vakasausau can't wait.
"It's a huge test for us," the Hawaii setter said of the 7 p.m. exhibition match at the Stan Sheriff Center. "They'll let us know how far we've come in the past five weeks of practice. I don't expect a perfect match, I don't expect us to be in perfect team shape. That takes time.
"I'm not going to come out and say that this will be the best match of the year because we're going to see them here in November. Hopefully, we'll see them in December (in the NCAA final four)."
Vakasausau was unusually quiet during yesterday's early morning workout. She took turning 21 very seriously.
"I do feel a little more mature-er," said the junior, enjoying birthday cake for breakfast. "Today, I decided to shut up and listen to what was going on around me. It looks good.
"The team is trying to play like a unit instead of individuals. Our trip to Las Vegas (last week) was very enlightening. We learned a lot of things."
The Wahine finished second in the 10-team spring tournament hosted by UNLV. Hawaii went undefeated in pool play, defeating Weber State, Cal State Fullerton, Utah and Northwestern, then lost to Fresno State in the title match.
Hawaii was without returning all-American hitter Lily Kahumoku, who sprained her left ankle last week, but made the trip. Sophomore middle blocker Maja Gustin was also slowed by an ankle sprain two weeks ago.
"Even though we weren't at 100 percent, it was well worth the trip," said Wahine coach Dave Shoji. "We're still in evaluation mode. It was good we got to play against other people, kind of gauge where we are and where we need to be.
"I'm excited about this game and it should be very attractive for our fans. Stanford's going to be very good again and I'm sure they will do things that make us aware of what we need to do to get better."
In a preview of premium seating that may be introduced next year, several rows of courtside seats will be offered at $20 each. Other tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for seniors and $4 for students.
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