Kahumoku hit with NEW ORLEANS, La. >> So what did junior Lily Kahumoku do after being named a first team All-American for the second time?
flu-like symptoms
Her playing status will
be decided today before
the semifinalBy Grace Wen
gwen@starbulletin.comNothing.
Kahumoku didn't practice yesterday and was bed-ridden most of the day. She probably wasn't even aware that she had been named a first-team All-American for the second time after the AVCA announced its three All-America teams. Hawaii trainer Renae Shigemura said Kahumoku had flu-like symptoms that were probably a result of extensive travel and playing with insufficient rest.
"She had a rough night last night and was unable to keep food down," Hawaii coach Dave Shoji said. "She's a tough kid and has played through pain. I hope it's just a 24-hour flu bug. We are going to try to keep her hydrated. I hope she'll be able to play tomorrow, but we'll have to wait and see. We're not the same team without her. Hopefully she can go."
Kahumoku didn't attend the final-four banquet last night and Shoji said Hawaii would be in wait-and-see mode today. The second-ranked Rainbow Wahine battle third-ranked Stanford in the NCAA semifinals at 2:30 p.m. Hawaii time. Top-ranked USC and No. 5 Florida follow at 4:30 p.m.
Kahumoku joined Kim Willoughby on the first team AVCA All-America team. Both are repeat first-team selections with Willoughby earning the honor last season and Kahumoku getting the award in 2000. Middle blocker Lauren Duggins earned her first All-American honor when she was named to the third team.
"I'm kind of shocked and very honored," Duggins said. "It's pretty cool, but my brain is in Spanish right now. I'm taking my exam in a couple of minutes."
She shouldn't be shocked. Duggins had an all-around season, contributing on offense and defense. The middle blocker hit .407 with 2.54 kills a game while providing 1.37 blocks per game and 1.71 digs. She supplemented an offense dominated by Willoughby and Kahumoku.
"Lauren's game and statistics have just improved steadily over the last two months," Shoji said. "Her hitting percentage is over 40 now and she's becoming a confident player."
Willoughby smashed 6.28 kills a game, down from her nation-leading average of 7.21 a year ago. On defense, a personal pride of Willoughby's, the Napoleonville, La., native averaged 3.34 digs a game and her extremely potent jump serve burned opponents for 75 aces this season.
With 5.32 kills per game and 3.14 digs per game, Kahumoku rang up better numbers than in her sophomore All-America campaign (4.51 kpg, 2.10 dpg). The 6-foot-2 outside hitter is a cagey attacker with as many shots as there are M&M colors. Willoughby and Kahumoku have a chance at the Player of the Year award, which will be announced tomorrow.
"They've had tremendous years. Their statistics are comparable to anybody in the country," Shoji said. "They've been very steady all year and very deserving.
"This is a final four loaded with talent. Kim is one out of 10 of four teams," Shoji said. "I wouldn't trade her for anybody. Kim is right there with Logan and anybody else. I think she deserves it (the Player of the Year award) if she gets it."
Though focused on the final four, Willoughby is already contemplating the future. She would like to speed up her studies.
"I want to graduate next December and try out for the (2004) Olympic team," Willoughby said. "Volleyball is a huge part of my life, but if I don't make it, I won't be disappointed because I'll still have my education."
Stanford senior Logan Tom became the third player to be a four-time first-team All-American. Stanford alumnae Bev Oden (1989-92) and Kerri Walsh (1996-99) were the others. Kahumoku and Willoughby were two of six players to repeat as first-team selections. Florida junior Aury Cruz and Nebraska senior Amber Holmquist were first-team picks last year. Huskers setter Greichaly Cepero was the 2000 Player of the Year and a second team All-American in 2001.
All times Hawaii time Final 4
When: Today, Hawaii (34-1) vs. Stanford (31-4), 2:30 p.m.; USC (27-1) vs. Florida (34-2), 4:30 p.m.
Where: New Orleans
TV: ESPN2 (Hawaii-Stanford)
Radio: 1420-AM (Hawaii-Stanford)
Title game: Saturday, 10:30 a.m. (ESPN2)
AVCA All-Americans
First team
Outside hitters: Paige Benjamin, Washington, Sr.; Aury Cruz, Florida, Jr.; Stacey Gordon, Ohio State, So., Lily Kahumoku, Hawaii, Jr., April Ross, USC, Jr., Logan Tom, Stanford, Sr., Kim Willoughby, Hawaii, Jr.
Right-side/opposite: Danielle Bauer, UC Santa Barbara, Sr.
Middle blockers: Emily Adams, USC, So.; Amber Holmquist, Nebraska, Sr.; Sara McGee, Stanford, Jr.
Setter: Greichaly Ceparo, Nebraska, Sr.
Second team
Outside hitters: Erin Byrd, Wisconsin, Sr.; Kim Glass, Arizona, Fr.; Lynnette Moster, Georgia Tech, So.; Ogonna Nnamani, Stanford, So.; Laura Pilakowski, Nebraska, Sr.; Katie Wilkins, Pepperdine, Jr.
Right-side/opposite: Cassie Busse, Minnesota, Jr.
Middle blockers: Jennifer Joines, Pacific, Jr.; Nicole McCray, Florida, Sr.; Becky Potter, Santa Clara, Jr.; Cara Smith, Penn State, Jr.
Setter: Brittany Hochevar, Long Beach State, Sr.
Third team
Outside hitters: Michelle Collier, South Florida, Sr.; Laura Greene, North Carolina, Sr.; Mia Jerkov, California, So.; Mira Topic, Texas, So.
Middle blockers: Lauren Duggins, Hawaii, Jr.; Benavia Jenkins, Florida, Jr.; Christy Myers, Missouri, Sr.; Molly O'Brien, Northern Iowa, Jr.; Elisha Thomas, Long Beach State, Sr.
Setters: Brooke Niles, UC Santa Barbara, Sr.; Morgan Shields, Wisconsin, Jr.
Libero: Paula Gentil, Minnesota, Fr.
UH Athletics
