Warrior Beat

For the past week, I’ve been trying to find the words to capsulize the life of Gerard Lee Loy. I’m still trying. But there are too many stories, too many adventures, too many good deeds. He was a champion for the underdogs, which was fitting because those were his peers. He used his power as an attorney and glib speaker to fight for people and causes needing a voice. Much of his work was pro bono. He believed in the […]

Of the five stages of loss and grief, one of them isn’t supposed to be gratitude. But after the Warriors’ four-set loss to Penn State in last night’s play-in match, the players and coaches expressed appreciation for their hard work, the season’s “journey” and the support from followers new and old. Head coach Charlie Wade always speaks of the “90 square feet” — their side of the court — in which communication and cohesiveness are important. “This is a sport […]

During this frenetic volleyball season, coach Charlie Wade’s wife asked him to take time to enjoy it. For Wade, like any coach, there are too many concerns, obligations, meetings and upcoming opponents to pause to smell the proverbial roses. But his wife, like all wives, was correct. There is the often repeated image of a UH baseball coach, at the dugout’s top step, vowing to return to the College World Series. That team is still waiting. And after the Warriors […]

Middle blocker Taylor Averill was named to the AVCA All-America first team for the second year in a row. Opposite Brook Sedore was selected to the second team. Libero Kolby Kanetake, outside hitter Siki Zarkovic and setter Jennings Franciskovic received honorable mention. (Middle blocker Davis Holt was robbed.) * * * * * This is the final week of classes for UH’s spring semester, which is problematic when the volleyball team is preparing for tomorrow’s NCAA play-in match against Penn […]

In 2010, the Warriors needed to rebuild the offensive line. They signed London Sapolu from the JC ranks, and made a future deal with Australia’s Blake Muir, who would delay enrolling for a semester. Then five offensive linemen were brought in for what was hoped would be a core group for seasons to come. Sean Shigematsu and Jordan Loeffler, who grayshirted in 2009, were tall with good footwork. Frank Loyd Jr. was athletic. Dave Lefotu was considered the most ready. […]

For the first time since 2002, the volleyball Warriors are heading to the NCAA tournament. OK, technically it’s a play-in match, against Penn State on Tuesday at Stanford, but the Warriors weren’t worried about the particulars. After losing to Pepperdine in the MPSF semis on Thursday, the Warriors still had enough credits to beat out the Waves for an at-large berth. The Warriors celebrated the invitation with thunderous applause. Soon after, coach Charlie Wade gave an emotional address to the […]

People in the know insist that the volleyball Warriors have a very good chance of earning a play-in berth in next week’s NCAA tournament if UC Irvine beats Pepperdine tonight. Irvine, No. 1 nationally and in the MPSF playoffs, is assured an NCAA berth no matter tonight’s outcome. If Pepperdine wins the MPSF title match, it receives the league’s automatic berth and Irvine gets an at-large spot. If Irvine wins, the belief is that UH has a good enough “resume” […]

IRVINE, Calif. — There is a belief that no matter the outcome of today’s MPSF semifinal match, the volleyball Warriors still have a good chance of earning a berth in next week’s NCAA tournament. But in the ya-never-know category, the Warriors are treating this as yet another must-win match. Except for outside hitter Hendrik Mol, who is being treated for an eye infection at UCLA Medical Center, the Warriors are relatively healthy. Outside hitter Scott Hartley, who had been dealing […]