Honestly, I am trying to walk away from UH volleyball but it is hard to do after so many years. Plus, was asked to do a story for Volleyball Magazine so I ‘needed” to go to the arena today ‘-).
Likely will drop into this week’s HAL but only for updates. Will post links but no live blog (at least that’s the plan for now ‘-) )
As mentioned on previous thread comments, Igiede, Guersching and Mane did not participate. Also Cowell, who was on Maui for the weekend helping out with family after the fires. Coach Ah Mow said that Igiede and Guersching “will play, just not today.” I think that was Coach-speak for they know what those two can do and were looking at different combinations and getting new players used to being in the arena in front of a crowd.
Nothing official on Mane but she was a late addition from a community college and, if you recall the problems Annie Mitchell had transferring in from a community college, I’m guessing it’s paperwork/NCAA clearinghouse issues.
Ah Mow is pretty tight-lipped about things but it did seem like she was happy with the group dynamics. I think people will enjoy watching freshman hitter Stella Adeyemi, very enthusiastic and you can see the joy she has in playing. Reminds me a little of Caylen Alexander.
Of the newcomers, I think MB Jacyn Bamis, transfer from Clemson, will be of immediate help as will freshman hitter Tali Hakas from Israel.
Returnee MB Kennedi Evans looked fairly healthy, taped upper left thigh, but ran the slide well.
Below is the recap from UH. Hard to say who “won” because they were switching player every set and sometimes mid-set.
About 300 watched an open practice for the first hour then the Green-White Scrimmage from 2-3:45-ish. The Green Team prevailed, 17-20, 20-14, 20-9, 20-17. Senior outside hitter Riley Wagoner had 12 kills and Evans added 10 kills and four blocks. Bamis and Alexander each had nine kills.
Hawai’i opens its season with the Hawaiian Airlines Rainbow Wahine Classic. The Wahine face Northwestern in Friday’s second match, No. 13 San Diego in Saturday’s second match and No. 9 Oregon in Sunday’s second match.
ALSO:
Three-time defending champion Hawai’i was picked to repeat as Big West champ, receiving 10 of 11 first-place votes for 100 points. UC Santa Barbara was at No. 2 (83 points) with Long Beach State (the other vote) third (82 points). Rounding out the poll were Cal Poly (81), UC Davis (61), UC Irvine (54), UC San Diego (42), CSU Bakersfield (33), CSU Fullerton (32), CSUN (27) and UC Riverside (10).
The Wahine also had three players on the preseason BWC team in Igiede, Alexander and setter Kate Lang. UCSB had two in OH Michelle Ohwobete and L Macall Peed, and one each from Beach (S Zayna Meyer), Cal Poly (OH Tommi Stockham) and UC Davis (Opp Olivia Utterback).
Mitchell= Mitchum?
Went and was disappointed didn’t get to see Guersching but she must be a sure starter. Who will play on the right… Coaches Nick and Sky looked good 😉
Oops Didnt notice the auto correct
Annie Mitchum
So glad you are back Cindy. We missed you.
Not back per se
Back with the occasional updates
Miss all you guys too