Hawaii, which has dominated Western Athletic Conference volleyball for more than a decade, continues to do so this preseason.

The Rainbow Wahine had five players named to the Preseason All-WAC Team yesterday, including the preseason player of the year selection in sophomore hitter Kanani Danielson. It is the fifth consecutive season a Hawaii player has taken the top honor, beginning with All-American setter Kanoe Kamana'o (2005 and '06) and continuing with All-American hitter Jamie Houston (2007 and '08).

Joining Danielson on the 12-member first team were senior hitter Aneli Cubi-Otineru, senior middle Amber Kaufman, junior setter Dani Mafua and sophomore hitter Stephanie Ferrell. Nevada junior hitter Kylie Harrington (St. Francis '07) was also named.

“;I'm honored, but I don't expect these kinds of things,”; said Danielson, the WAC freshman of the year last season. “;I wouldn't have this without my teammates. I'm just happy to be playing for Hawaii.”;

Last week, Hawaii was chosen to win a 14th straight WAC regular-season title in the coaches' preseason poll. The Wahine were also ranked No. 7 in the Volleyball magazine Top 20 last week.

“;I don't place much importance on preseason teams or rankings,”; Hawaii coach Dave Shoji said, “;but it's a nice thing for our players. Those named are definitely the top players in the conference.

“;It is nice that Kanani is thought of as highly as some of her predecessors. It's nice company to be in.”;