Still one of the 'Boys

Former University of Hawaii punter Mat McBriar agreed to return to the Dallas Cowboys yesterday, with the team giving him a contract that reportedly makes him the NFL's highest-paid punter. A first-time Pro Bowl selection after leading the league in yards per punt this past season, McBriar is getting a five-year, $8.5 million deal that includes a $2.5 million signing bonus.

McBriar's 48.2-yard average this season was the best in the NFL since 1963.

Warriors face alumni in volleyball tomorrow

The 13th-ranked Hawaii volleyball team takes on its past tomorrow when its hosts the alumni exhibition match at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Current Warrior seniors -- Brian Beckwith, Dio Dante, Lauri Hakala and Eric Kalima -- will not play, according to Warrior coach Mike Wilton. Among the former players participating are Mauli'a La Barre, Sivan Leoni, Costas Theocharidis, Curt Vaughan and Eyal Zimet.

The exhibition against the varsity is at 7 p.m. An all-alumni match is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Tickets are $6 for lower level, $4 for upper-level adult and $3 for upper-level students and seniors.

Hawaii (3-11, 3-9 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) opens a six-match homestand next Thursday against top-ranked Pepperdine.

Wahine to play spring match against Arizona

The Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball team hosts Arizona in a spring exhibition match scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 15.

The Rainbow Wahine return five of their seven starters from last year's team that advanced to the NCAA regional final, including All-American hitter Jamie Houston. Also playing will be graduating seniors Kanoe Kamana'o and Sarah Mason.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow at the Stan Sheriff Center box office, UH Campus Center, Rainbowtique Ward Centre, Windward Community College, online at www.HawaiiAthletics.com or by phone (944-2697). Prices are from $3 to $6 for upper level, $10 for lower level.

NWC honors for Rivera, Fujioka

Gene Rivera and Keilyn Fujioka have received Northwest Conference men's and women's basketball honorable mention accolades.

Rivera (Maui '04), a 6-foot-4 junior forward for Lewis & Clark, averaged 7.9 points for the Pioneers, was their top rebounder with 149 and set single-game (6) and single-season (51) records for blocked shots. He also had 48 assists and 12 steals.

The Pioneers finished 19-7 after losing the NWC tournament championship game to Whitman 69-62.

Fujioka (Iolani '06), a 6-1 freshman forward for Willamette, led the Bearcats in scoring with a 10.3 average. She connected in 99 of her 184 field-goal attempts for a .538 shooting percentage. Fujioka also led Willamette in rebounds (190) and blocked shots (28).

Seasiders climb to No. 7 in regional poll

Brigham Young-Hawaii improved one spot, to No. 7, in yesterday's NCAA Division II men's basketball West Region poll.

The top eight teams in the final regional poll receive postseason bids. The final poll will be announced at 5:30 p.m. Sunday in an online broadcast at www.ncaasports.com/dii.

The Seasiders (19-7, 11-3 Pacific West Conference) host Hawaii Pacific tomorrow night in their final regular-season game.