Hawaii’s highest
hurdles

UH's road to the final four includes six of last season's top 10 within the first eight matches. The Wahine's toughest 10 foes, chronologically (with last year's record and final ranking):

1. Nebraska (30-2, No.5)

Aug. 26, Omaha, Neb.

Six starters return, including three All-Americans, from a squad that fell 3-2 in the regional final to USC. NU rallied for a 3-2 win over host UH on March 18. Michigan State transfer Maggie Griffin may beat out Dani Busboom at setter. Husker Power has a 60-mile drive from Lincoln.

2. Stanford (30-6, No.1) or Penn State (29-3, No. 7)

Aug. 27, Omaha, Neb.

The second night of the NACWAA will be tough regardless. Four Cardinal starters are back. Cynthia Barboza is the most decorated of the frosh, but Foluke Akinradewo, a 6-3 middle, may be their next superstar.

3. Penn State (29-3, No. 7)

Aug. 27 and/or Sept. 2, Sheriff Ctr.

One way or another, the Nittany Lions will see UH across the net. PSU was upset in the regional semi by UCLA. Four starters return, led by Sr. All-American setter Sam Tortorello. In May, PSU toured Slovenia and Italy. Tossed a few coins in the Trevi Fountain. Their wishes?

4. USC (23-6, No. 4)

Sept. 1, Sheriff Ctr.

USC failed to three-peat as NCAA champ, falling to Minnesota in the national semis. Led by senior middle Bibiana Candelas of Mexico, MVP at both the U.S. Open Nationals and the NORCECA qualifier. Lost five seniors, Sarah Florian (transfer) & Jessica Gysin (ACL).

5. UCLA (21-11, No. 9)

Sept. 10, Sheriff Ctr.

UH leads this long, storied series 33-28, including last year's 3-2 victory when the Wahine outscored the Bruins 4-0 to win Game 5 15-13. UCLA's late-season surge ended in the regional final to Washington. May be even more of a rebuilding year after losing OH Becky Green.

6. Washington (28-3, No. 3)

Sept. 16-17, Sheriff Ctr.

In the final four for the first time, losing to eventual champ Stanford in the semis. Returns All-American setter Courtney Thompson, Pac-10 Frosh of Year Christel Morrison, and All-American hitter Sanja Tomasevic. Roster also includes Tamari Miyashiro (Kalani '05).

7. Loyola Marymount (17-12)

Sept. 23-24, Sheriff Ctr.

The Lions will be young but will test the Wahine's stamina, part of a three-matches-in-three-days stretch for UH. (On Sept. 22, UH has a critical WAC contest with Boise State).

8. Nevada (21-10)

Oct. 27, Reno, Nev.

UH pulled out wins in six of its seven five-game matches, two against the Wolf Pack. Senior middle Salaia Salavea and coach Devin Scruggs can't wait for this one.

9. Utah State (8-19)

Nov. 9, Logan, Utah

Getting there is half the battle. UH learned last year not to make the drive up the same day from Salt Lake City. Aggies should be healthier and better than the team that nearly upset the Wahine in five.

10. NCAA Selection Comm.

Nov. 27, Indianapolis

The No Clue At All people must have got a percentage of the travel miles, the way they kept UH on the road last postseason. Being the only unbeaten team didn't count. Neither did leading the country in attendance. Host Yale, in the tourney for the first time ever, drew a combined 2,000 for the first and second rounds. UH likely would have had 20,000. The consensus from coaches is things will be better this year. Just in case, the committee chair is Kelly Andrews (kelly.andrews@utoledo.edu).