By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Heidi Ilustre, shown here against Illinois State in
Aston's Imua Challenge last week, is one of the
keys to the Wahine's attack.
Wahine are sky-high
They are ready to
By Cindy Luis
take on all comers in the
Hawaiian Airlines Classic
Star-BulletinSome of the question marks will turn into answers. At least that's the hope of the teams in this week's 10th Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic. At this early point of the season, No. 11 Hawaii, No. 21 UCLA, Houston and North Carolina know as much about each other as they do about themselves. Which is not much.
The host Wahine (3-0) and Tar Heels (4-0) are unbeaten, the Cougars (2-1) lost to a ranked team and the Bruins have only seen other Bruins so far. Winning is a goal but so is getting better.
The scouting reports are nearly nonexistent for tomorrow's matches. Coaches will be worried more about what is going on on their side of the court and hope they can adjust to what the other side is doing.
Hawaii is young. Houston is athletic. North Carolina has balance. And UCLA is trying to forget its worst-ever season, one when the Bruins did not make the postseason for the first time in school history.
"When you don't have scouting reports, you look at their experience," said Hawaii coach Dave Shoji (628-124 in 23 seasons). "Everyone is big nowadays. I think experience tells you more than size."
Hawaii has won this tournament four times, as has UCLA. Penn State was the winner in 1993.
"I'm really excited about this tournament," said senior Cecelia Goods. "I think it's more of a motivation to be playing teams who are thought to be a lot better (than last week's field). I'm really looking forward to playing UCLA. They had been so good all these years but last year, when I finally got to play against them, I was a little disappointed."
This weekend, Shoji said he may tinker with the lineup, giving his three freshmen more playing time. Hitter Jessica Sudduth may move to middle blocker, hitter Tehani Miyashiro might get some front-row rotations and hitter Jameka Stevens should get more playing time.
"We have people on the bench who can play," said Shoji.
"We're trying to find a way to utilize all our people."
UCLA (0-0): The Bruins are back, according to head coach Andy Banachowski. His team lost its season opener for the first time ever here last year against Louisville and went on to an injury plagued 17-14 season.
"I'm hoping it will come together for us," said Banachowski (812-175, 31st year).
"We had a lot of talent last year but they spent more time in the training room than on the court together. We have a lot of good pieces we're hoping will fall into place."
Two pieces that rejoined the puzzle are senior hitter Kara Milling and junior blocker Elisabeth Bachman.
One freshman has already broken into the starting lineup: middle hitter Amy Nihipali, sister of UCLA all-American Paul and cousin of Hawaii freshman Keala.
Leading the Carolina offense is junior setter Erin Berg, a Punahou graduate. The Heels relied on sophomore middle blocker Tori Seibert and senior hitter Lori Carlson.
Coach Joe Sagula (122-110) is in his eighth season.
They are 1-6 lifetime against UCLA and 5-0 against North Carolina.
The Cougars' hopes are in the hands of junior setter Bethany Hill, a reserve the past two seasons.
Houston head coach Bill Walton is 236-132 in 12 seasons. His Cougars have made eight straight postseason trips, including winning the NIVC Tournament title in 1990.
Hawaiian Airlines Classic
1997 UH Wahine Volleyball Schedule
