It was a luxury, having a day in between volleyball matches to prepare for the opponent. It was also a chance for No. 4 Hawaii to reset individual goals, work on things that weren't perfect in Thursday's sweep of Boise State, and welcome back sophomore hitter Kanani Danielson, who missed the match with the Broncos with the flu.

Danielson was able to practice yesterday and “;it's nice to have her back,”; freshman middle Brittany Hewitt said. “;But it's also nice that we have talented players all around and pulled together when she couldn't play.”;

The Rainbow Wahine (10-2, 1-0 Western Athletic Conference) didn't need Danielson's team-leading 3.97 kills per set against Boise State, but likely will tonight against Idaho (5-7, 1-0). The Vandals came into the week second only to No. 2 Texas in blocks (3.18 bps), with senior middles Anna McKinney and Debbie Pederson ranked in the top 20 nationally.

Pederson was in on 10 of the team's 17 stuffs and McKinney six as Idaho snapped a six-match losing streak when winning at San Jose State on Thursday. Also coming up big was senior hitter Sarah Conwell (19 kills, 20 digs, seven blocks).

“;We've been in a lot of matches, but one of the things we lack is experience,”; Vandals coach Debbie Buchanan said of her roster, which includes nine freshmen. “;We're getting better in different areas, but it comes down to consistency.

“;Hawaii is typically loaded, they might be even stronger than last year, and we expect Kanani to be in there. Our concern is we have to block and play defense, be more consistent offensively. If we do that, I think we could be really good.”;

Good enough to beat Hawaii for the first time in 12 meetings? For the Vandals, who have yet to play a home match, “;it would be huge for sure,”; Buchanan said.

Hawaii's team goals are to win and play well in doing so. The Wahine also set individual goals to keep motivated.

“;For me, it's to keep my blocking up, get at least two blocks a set,”; said Hewitt, the national leader in blocks (1.63 bps). “;We respect every opponent and we know everyone will play their best match against us.”;

Men's assistant Kuo resigns

Former Hawaii setter Mason Kuo has resigned as a men's volleyball assistant coach.

Kuo, who played for UH from 1995 to 1999, is moving to Hilo with his wife and young daughter. The 1994 McKinley graduate had been on the Warriors staff part-time the past four seasons but had been promoted to full-time this season.

UH coach Charlie Wade said he hopes to have a replacement for Kuo by next month. The staff for Wade's inaugural season includes former Warrior Dan Fisher as associate coach, former Warrior setter Brian Beckwith as graduate assistant and Tony McInerny, a Punahou graduate, as a volunteer.