Wednesday checkin
Team practices 3-6 today.
We should know more about Taylor’s availability.
She didn’t block yesterday as they evaluate her.
Previous thread mentioned Greeley’s mobility. She’s still playing in some pain, said her comeback has been slower than she expected.
We should an announcement on streaming today. It likely will be a single camera, either baseline or above midcourt.
on another comment over the ‘improving’ Kahakakai.
It’s not that she’s improved. But since UH is not blocking like they were last year, she’s getting more opportunities to show her abilities.
COMMENTS
Comments are closed.
Guinasso played so well against Wisconsin. Surprise she didn’t play on the other nights.
Do you think it’s possible when Mitchem returns that she may be moved to the outside considering the improvement of the newer middles? Mitchem could provide some needed firepower and height on the outside as well.
#2 I would move Maglio instead. Especially since she’s only a Junior. We got to look at life after Nikki.
rabbit ears, agree with you about Guinasso, she looked like she was ready for prime time. Disagree about moving Maglio. We need her in the middle. Mitchem can be a 6 rotation player and it appeared to me that Iosia likes to set the pipe so Mitchem can blast from the back row along with Nikki. Granato has power and is very determined but she needs to learn to play smart volleyball if she going to help us down the line. I don’t think that we can count on Greeley making it all the way back this year so Sibley needs to step up. I think using Ross once in awhile on the left would also give the opposing team something to think about. Thank you Cindy for giving a place to vent our thoughts.
Also Mitchem spent time on the outside last season while she was healthy since we already had Magill and Maglio and Mitchem looked good on the outside. She’ll be a good addition to the outside with already Taylor and Granato there. All three of them have the ability to terminate the ball.
If I recall, Wahine softball had one of their fans video their games. I believe his name was Pomai. It was pretty good.
interesting comment on kahakai … imo, of course she has improved … whether the block is giving her more chances or not … her anticipation and presence on the court is better than last year. and she made great strides over the course of last season from beginning to end too.
some possible movement on a live stream … hope it works out and and those not in hawaii can watch!!
Savanah looks quicker too.
Yeah Kahakai sure looks quicker and is so much more active. Perhaps, moving the libero from left back to middle back has something to do with the additional opportunities to dig. USA National team has Eric Shoji playing at MB position.
If Mitchem proves to be the type of player that she was at the JV level, I would like to see a hybrid MB-OH positioning of Annie. If I am not mistaken, when Pestolesi had Annie at Irvine, Tom played her at MH for defense and then switch her to OH for offense when the team was receiving the ball. Annie was dynamic at both positions. On those special situations, where the OH match ups does not favor our us, perhaps this may be a viable option.
As mentioned by Savanah, they finally moved her to middle back that’s why…
In Hawaii practices, do the setters tend to practice a similar number of reps to each player regardless of position?
Just saw replay of Arizona match and I got to say Smith from the right back DS position was so very quick to the ball. Emma had some great saves. She is going to be awesome – and a real good beach player as well.
I would not like to see Maglio on the outside. She does not have a pure armswing and does not always have a solid top-spin contact. She would not be consistent hitting OOS sets. From what I remember from Mitchem as that she has a cleaner armswing. I felt more comfortable with her putting away overpasses than Magill, which Magill was near terrible at.
I think they should look at red shirting Greeley and throwing Mitchem to the Outside. A strong lineup would be having Mitchem play L1 (Left Outside Hitter) following the setter & keeping Castillo at M2 (assuming that’s where she was playing). This way, if we needed a stronger middle presence against any given team, Dave would not have to change the lineup but just have Castillo and Mitchem switch positions. This would be possible in the two rotations they are in the front row together. This would also give the Wahine a balanced attack as Taylor, Mitchem, and Maglio will all be one away from each other in the lineup. With McKenna at the L2, she would be in every passing rotation (assuming that her passing skills are above Mitchem’s).
12. not understanding the question. Koelsch’s reps have diminished since she was training on the right and the other two setters were predominately setting. They do mini scrimmages in practice so both the (now) two main setters are setting various sides. If you want to call it A and B then do so. but the two teams don’t stay the same as they switch people to find the best combinations.
10. agree, she has moved in the passing rotation.
It’s not that I don’t think Kahakai is better. It’s more that some were down on her and didn’t think she was that good. My point was without her playing behind the bigger block this year, she is showing more of what she can do because she has to. She may look quicker but feel that some of that is she isn’t hesitating as much She doesnt have to wait and see if the ball was blocked or tipped.
You never know what they’ll do when they get back to full strength. Mitchem was at Opp because Taylor was out with concussion protocol and that was when she got hurt. I don’t know if she’d play 6 rotations. much depends on what other 3-meter attack they’ll have. Granato has now shown she can be effective back there.
Man, I’m just super excited to see how it all turns out. I’ll leave it up to the coaches, they’ve only been doing this FOREVER. Just want to see our potential played out in reality! Go Bows!
Amazing how in one weekend people are jumping off the Maglio bus. Need to look at previous post from couple days before season. Alot of folks were on the bus. She just needed to get acclimated to a new position. Trying to do it on short notice against Wisconsin was tough.
#1 – Agree, Guinasso showed promise. Shoji may be going by her practices as well (whole body of work).
#3 – Regarding next year, Shaney Lipscomb 6’1″ (MB/OPP) will be onboard so more options.
#12 – Agree.
#14 – Regarding Kahakai, the “improving” comment was in the context of passing, not digging. Hawaii’s passing was not optimal against Wisconsin and Shoji alluded to it by clearing Higgins of any fault. Passing showed immediate improvement in the Arizona game. Passing the ball to the setter, right up to the net, requires more precision than just popping the ball up (digging).
Hi, Cindy. In case part of your reply in #14 was to me, I am curious whether the number of sets the various hitters receive is similar? My impression watching our play over the weekend was it looked like Iosia maybe was more fluid to some of the frosh than to Maglio. I liked what I saw of Iosia’s deftness and overall vision, and was hoping for more of a spark between those two and having Maglio more involved.
“It’s not that she’s improved. But since UH is not blocking like they were last year, she’s getting more opportunities to show her abilities.”
“My point was without her playing behind the bigger block this year, she is showing more of what she can do…”
Yes. Wahine block seemed to play bigger despite Magill ‘only’ being 6-1. Just hope Castillo (6-3) & Burns (6-5) can play to length soon. Curious that Maglio’s block#s way down so far. But only 3 games, so we’ll see. Also wonder if team block (tech/cohesion) impacted by Shoji’s absence. Anyway, good he’s back; expecting improvement this weekend.
Sorry for the confusion, my usage of “passing” is in conjunction with serve receive.
Passing (offense) = serve receive, and not to be confused with digging (defense). The intent of passing is to get the ball to the setter, the intent of digging is to “save” the ball from scoring a point for the other side.
If Hawaii can’t win the blocking situation it’s hard to win in the NCAA tournament, make it to the final four, much less win the championship. Gotta get better, much better! Hopefully, Mitchem and Taylor will greatly improve it.
Blocking wasn’t strong last preseason either it wasn’t till conference when the block started rolling.
still hope Kahakai becomes a little quicker.
#19 Actually Maglio touched alot of balls this weekend. She was reading the setters quite well and was quick to the outside.
Iosia is stronger especially when there is a joust for the ball, setting and placement is far better especially when the passes were not the best, her ball setting gives the hitters a ball they are able to hit with more authority.
Did mention before that the serving was equal, however Iosia is showing that her serving is better. Bottom line is, the changing of the guard at the setter position. Just my opinion of what I have been seeing of Iosia’s playing abilities. She has the presence and the ability to help the team get to the final four if the injured are able to come back and play to their abilities.
It was an interesting weekend to say the least. What caught my eye was the team’s ability to adjust throughout the weekend with various line up changes. How this experience translates to future play will be seen this coming weekend, however, they did end on a exciting note. At the same time, thought the other teams also played well, which led to great play. This is the type of experience we’ll need when we gather at post season and onto the final four. Adversity builds character, this week was a character test, thought we passed. -go Wahine
Regarding Maglio, she seem to be growing in confidence with her slide. To me, she was just placing the ball in the first match. By the time we got to Arizona, Emily was finding her range and then pounding the ball. She is going to be great!
Burns shows a lot of potential. Isn’t Hall a former MH? He has got to get her footwork in order. Natasha has a quick arm swing, is quick, and athletic. She needs reps to improve.
26. Trust me they are working with Burns on her footwork but still somewhat awkward out there. No amount of coaching is going to completely change that.
Yes she is athletic with a quick arm swing but … Watching Mitchem hitting middle, both in front and behind setter. She looks really good. Hawaii will get a boost when she gets back.
I don’t think anyone jumped off the Maglio train. The point was that blocking isn’t as good as it was last year. And agree that the team started slowly last season.
BTW Taylor is cleared to fully practice. She said she’s doing well. The feeling is she’ll be cleared to play tomorrow.
Hallelujah! Now, all we need is a miracle for both Greeley and Mitchem. Welcome back Nikki! Does Smith sit out now that Nikki will rotate to the backcourt? So many deserving players – what to do?
Regarding Kahakai, I agree with everyone that she seems quicker now. The criticism with her early last year was that she was a bit slower than the past UH liberos. I think everyone acknowledged that she got better towards the end of last season. Playing middle back will also give her more digging opportunities.
I didn’t follow Mitchem at Irvine Valley, but someone mentioned that Pestolesi used her to hit from the left? Perhaps that could be a viable, situational option for Shoji? However, I am not keen on moving her (or Maglio) to the outside.
I am definitely on the Guinasso train as well. And I am hoping Granato continues to be smarter with her shots, and that Castillo will continue to improve wherever they put her.
I noticed in the past three matches that Sibley does not seem to hit as hard as the typical OH. She has this long, looping, mostly cross-court shot that reminds me of Kaela Goodman’s attacks. I hope she can add some variety to her shots.
29. It’s likely Shoji will find a way to get her in. Perhaps serve for Maglio or Sibley (I noticed they didn’t use Greeley to serve in the last three sets vs. Arizona). That would mean lesser time for Anderson, Guinasso and Ponce, though.
Don’t know what the serving plan is. they have lots of options at DS. Anderson was Maglio’s sub last week. Much depends on who they want for a 3-meter attack.
Agree that Kahakai was quicker last year than as a freshman as she rehabbed from knee issue.
Agree with everyone on Guianasso…I feel Emma and her are our best D/S…Claire is still very good but Emma is stellar. She has great court presence and she is makes her pass to the setter point on most of the time. I would like to see Greenly redshirt…Don’t like to see her waste her talent as an awesome 6 rotation player. Although I feel very comfortable when Greenly, Kahakai, and Smith in the back, Greenly will not as efficientl for us in front like the last 2 years. Granato had a spectacular match against Arizona with her Emily Hartong’s record 33 kills. Granato just needs to use her disadvantages and continue to hit smarter against player taller than her. At this time of the early season alot of young freshmen girls have challenged and ran with their opportunities..The most impressive overall has been Iosia and Emma Smith. Lastly, with Nikki back thend offense should become not as one dimensional. When Annie returns, our blessings of the “True Rainbow Wahine Team” will finally materialize. There is a purpose and reason for everything…” Let’s Go Bows!”
To me, Kahakai’s issue was never her digging. It was her passing.
On another note, pleasantly surprised with Smith’s play.
Not so much surprised, but more pleased.
After seeing our great frosh class step it up this past weekend, I hope they don’t entertain thoughts of transferring to another school for lack of playing time once Taylor, Mitchem and Greeley get healed.
Very excited for the next three matches, with Taylor once again anchoring the offense.
Does anyone have info of any streaming for the games?
LET’S GO BOWS.
Very nice article today in the Advertizer, I really like the way you flesh out the human side of these kids through their own words. A lot of great blogs yesterday, very knowledgeable volleyball fans, fun to read.
It is too late for Greeley to redshirt this season. She can sit out the rest of the season and apply for a medical redshirt after her senior season, but that would have to be granted by the NCAA.
Smith (and all the freshmen) showed great skills last week. Lets hope they can build on that and keep it going consistently.
37. I wouldn’t be concerned about transferring for that reason. The freshmen knew who was on the team when they signed their NLIs. Plus two of the three players will graduate this year.
37/40.
Not only will two graduate this year, one will graduate next year.
Maverick, you mentioned you aren’t in Hawaii. Where are you commenting from and how did you end up following Wahine VB?
I’m on the ninth island but grew up in Hawaii. The first televised match I saw was UH’s first NCAA championship victory over USC. Been a fan Since. WVB is the only perennial national championship contender UH has.
13. Before they start looking at redshirting Greeley (or Taylor, or any other player for that matter), they should first ask if she wants to stay for a fifth year.
Warriorfan August 31, 2016 at 2:02 pm
Blocking wasn’t strong last preseason either it wasn’t till conference when the block started rolling.
2016 thru 3 matches: 13 sets, Opp KAs 496 UH team blocks 24.5
2015 thru 3 matches: 10 sets, Opp KAs 347 UH team blocks 29.5
Well, if last season slow; this season slower. Still, only 3 matches, all w/out Nikki, & like said earlier, expect improvement this weekend. Esp with Dave & Nikki in full grind now.
For the teams playing this weekend, Hawaii has to be difficult to prepare for. Who will they play? Who will set? What system will they run? They used to be able to count on Shoji being predictable, with predictable lineups doing predictable things. Now days, Hawaii keeps switching it up until they find what works. Personnel, setters, systems, it’s a blur of change. They even lose track themselves sometimes.
Maglio blocking numbers down is evident because the opponents would rather challenge the outside blockers due to they are shorter and less experienced than the players they have replaced.
Not sure which players Maglio was upfront with. If she had either Nikki or Kalei that makes it harder for the opponents.
Similar situation with Kahakai, less blocking more balls to dig and pass which she has done a great job on.
If Greely is not 100% and getting back to 95 to 99% is not in the cards for this year have her redshirt. If this becomes a nagging injury she will never get back to the player she was/is. Coaches need to be Akamai with Greely’s injury.
With the likes of Burns, Castillo, Sibley and Granato, and the return of Mitchem it gives the coaches a lot of choices to settle on a starting rotation.
You can’t play more than 6 matches to seek a medical redshirt, personally I’d redshirt Kalei with Nikki back and use Emma Smith to play backrow for Sibley on the outside in place of Kalei.
43. Think Greeley would stay a fifth year since her bff Maglio will probably be staying a fifth year with the Beach team.
Btw I heard coach Rolovich offered Greeleys younger twin brothers, would be pretty cool if they joined her at UH.
UH website has a “Watch” link on the schedule for tonight’s match. Yay!
Is it going to be just one stationary single focus cameras mounted on the end-line bleacher with no sound – just like some high school match?
Wow, it is just unfathomable how “Wahine Volleyball” has fallen from the nation’s most admired volleyball broadband streaming to this nothingness! How very sad! Regardless of contractual issues among the parties who have their hands in the broadcast money pot, UH AD needs to step in and get it fixed.
And Dave, not Shoji, but Ige – I thought you were a wahine volleyball fan. Can you please help get the powers to be to stream the wahine matches again? Thank you advance Governor.
OC Sports was supposed to launch their new OCSports.tv website yesterday, but so far haven’t. I would imagine they have higher priorities with another hurricane headed their way. Who knows, maybe we’ll get lucky and the stream will be of OC’s telecast, but I’m not holding my breath. Anything visual will be a treat for me.
38. thank you. pet peeve. It is not the Advertiser. It is the Star-Advertiser. the Star-Bulletin bought the Advertiser. sad we had to lose the Bulletin reference.
39. Greeley is not redshirting this season.
46. wouldn’t worry about Maglio’s blocking numbers.
50. the twins were out here this summer. Big guys. Not surprised if they got offered.
As for Greeley staying a fifth year, depends if she’s finishing her degree or able to go to grad school. Don’t know what Maglio’s plans are. She might go back to Canada and try for 2020 Olympic beach team.
52. Yes one camera. They are trying to link with radio.
This has nothing to do with the government. it’s a business decision.
http://bit.ly/UHWVBALL
If you have an issue, call Dan Schmidt at Oceanic. it’s their decision.
53. NOT Oceanic.
http://hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=38988
new thread up