UH Struck w/ Flu for UCI Matches

[Mac]

Looks like the UH boys will have a rough go of it flying over here for two matches with a bunch of them having the flu. It's a big test for both teams as it is.

starbulletin.com/2007/01/09/sports/story04.html

Ailing Warriors open at No. 1 UCI
Flu keeps five players out of yesterday's practice

By Cindy Luis
[e-mail]
The flu bug that kept two Hawaii volleyball starters out of Friday's exhibition match against British Columbia added three more casualties yesterday.

Four players expected to start in this week's league opener did not make it to Gym 1 for practice yesterday, while another -- senior hitter Lauri Hakala -- was well enough to explain his absence before heading up to the student clinic.

It's not the way Hawaii volleyball coach Mike Wilton wanted to start the week. Wilton, recovered from his bout with the bug last week, was concerned about the team he's putting out on the Bren Events Center court Friday against top-ranked UC Irvine in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation opener for both squads.

Missing yesterday's practice were two senior All-Americans, Hakala and setter Brian Beckwith; middle blockers Dio Dante and Kyle Klinger; and junior outside hitter Jake Schkud. Schkud has been so ill that he is not on this week's 13-player travel roster.

"It's pretty nasty, whatever it is going around," Wilton said. "But we have some other guys who'll get a chance to be out there. It's one of the reason I like to carry 22 (players)."

Without the five, UH still had enough to hold practice, moving up the Court 3 players (redshirts and reserves) to the first court.

Hawaii, ranked fourth in yesterday's first CSTV/AVCA poll of the season, has two more practices before getting on a plane tomorrow afternoon. The Warriors face the Anteaters (4-0) in their season opener on Friday and again on Saturday.

"We have a lot to improve on, for sure," Wilton said, losing twice in exhibitions to UBC last week. "There's plenty of evidence to show that the best team in the country is UC Irvine."

The Anteaters swept through last week's 43rd Elephant Bar Invitational at UC Santa Barbara, winning all three matches in straight sets. UCI capped its appearance with a 30-22, 30-26, 30-23 victory over defending NCAA champion UCLA, a rematch of May's NCAA final.

Eight of the 12 MPSF teams competed in the tournament, with the host Gauchos defeating Cal State Northridge in four for third place. Long Beach State swept Pacific for seventh, and USC outlasted Stanford in five for ninth.

The Anteaters had three players on the all-tournament team, led by senior All-American setter Brian Thornton, named the MVP. Also selected were outside hitter Jayson Jablonsky, the 2006 national player of the year, and All-American opposite Matt Webber.

Others selected were UCLA's Steve Klosterman and Paul George, James Lischer of Cal State Northridge and UCSB's Evan Patak, who missed the MPSF playoffs last season when academically ineligible.

UCI libero Brent Asuka (Iolani '05), the NCAA freshman of the year last season, had a match-high 14 digs in the sweep of the Bruins.

"Irvine is a really good team and this will be a good challenge for us," Wilton said. "We haven't seen anybody play yet. I don't know where we are in the league. Think somewhere in the middle of the pack."

Last season, Hawaii finished second behind MPSF champion UCI. The teams split their two matches at the Stan Sheriff Center.

[robonthemic]

[quote author=mac board=menvb thread=1168361304
UCI capped its appearance with a 30-22, 30-26, 30-23 victory over defending NCAA champion UCLA, a rematch of May's NCAA final.
[/quote]

Wishful thinking by the writer? I hope all the guys get better soon, but I'll have to admit I wanted to see Hakala play-- I've heard incredible things about him for the last 2 years.

[northshore]

This is too bad for the Uh team. This is such an important match. What a way to start the season. UH has their work cut out for them. Hakala is probably still traveling last we heard unless he's major sick. So far the only starter not going is Schkud because he has/had a high fever and is still on the mend. Can't attend practices with a fever over 100 or something like that. Once this crap hits you this hard it's probably a good thing Schkud stays home to get healthy. Meanwhile, I'm dropping off a case of Airbourne to the team....and lots of chicken soup.

[IdahoBoy]

I've seen Hakala on campus the last few days. He looks to be pretty healthy... but who knows.

[ACE]

www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070110/SPORTS0202/701100377/1036/SPORTS

"Ernie Vidinha, Mark Ribeiro and Matt Vanzant are candidates to replace Schkud.

Hakala, who doubles as the floor captain, is expected to play against Irvine. Steven Grgas is Hakala's understudy."

I don't see why Wilton doesn't start Grgas at OH, or as others mentioned, put Hakala at OH and Grgas at OPP. Based on the article, it appears Kalima is a "lock" at OH.

[northshore]

I think not switching in the coach's mind has a lot to do with who can pass and who can't while still being a strong hitter in the rotation scheme of things. Not for sure that Grgas can pass.

[hawaiiantouch]

I sAy StArt GrGas!!! No NeEd Sckud!!!

[northshore]

different positions. Let Grgas play if he's hot. why not. Can't hurt. Everyone has their day. Give Schkud a chance another time whenhe's healthy.

[Mac]

Apparently some UCI players are sick as well:
"Speraw said several of his players were under the weather as well. "Could be the battle of the IVs," he jokingly said of tomorrow's match at the Bren Events Center."
starbulletin.com/2007/01/11/sports/story04.html

[robonthemic]

Perhaps all the V-talkers should show up to the match with Emergen-C and Airborne for a UCI/Hawaii Pre-Party for both teams?

As always, Hawaii brings a big crowd to the Bren Center so get there early if you can!

[StanfordFan]

So anyone know who plays for Hawaii on this trip? I'm thinking about going, but not so interested if Hawaii's big guns aren't playing.

[Mac]

Go. Hakala alone is worth the effort to get there.

[mucads6]

UC Irvine sweeps Hawaii 3 straight. Hawaii got blown out in the 3rd game being down by 10 at one point. Irvine played extrememly well, and service errors for Hawaii hurt them. Hawaii also seemed to play with a lack of emotion, especially after the 2nd game when they let a 4 point lead turn into a 2 point deficit. Grgas didn't seem to have that much of an impact out on the court. Hawaii's passing was very weak tonight in my opinion, too. Beckwith looked very frustrated and let a good scream after the match to show how frustrated he was. As good as Hawaii is, I feel bad for Beckwith and wish he could play for a team that is consistent. Granted a lot of Hawaii's guns were out with sickness, but still. I was also surprised out how little Rawson was used. The few times he was set he smashed the ball either in someone's face or inside the 10 foot line. His reach is so high that not many people can block him. All in all, I give a lot of credit to UC Irvine for playing such a complete match. There blocking was great, few unforced errors, good hitting (Jablonsky was a force), and good defense. A great well rounded team. I had doubts coming in, but they proved to me, atleast, why they are number 1.