Comments on: Wednesday checkin: Kahakai not traveling

By: Cindy Luis

Cindy Luis — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 18:17:30 +0000

18. we obviously are seeing different things. and I’m court side.
Seen a lot of players get pushed, mostly to get out of the way. Doubt very seriously if it’s done to get a player moving to the ball. That’s not how it works. If really pushed, a player potentially goes down instead of going to the ball.
But again, please let it go.

By: Cindy Luis

Cindy Luis — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 18:14:20 +0000

24. i agree with 23. Let it go.
She wasn’t the libero against ASU in Set 3 of the second match of the season.
BUT she started Set 3 as the DS. They were down 2-0 and they were looking at a way to settle down the passing.

By: wildcard

wildcard — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 12:44:53 +0000

mendoza is ok. she works hard and is steady but she is slow and a libero is supposed to be faster. her speed is that of a defensive specialist as is she before. she doesnt have to be super fast or anything expected like longo but bottom line she needs to pick up the pace. remember that she was relieved as libero during the match vs asu.

By: oldtimer808

oldtimer808 — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 08:20:24 +0000

Mendoza is doing just fine. Get off her back she is playing her butt off. Coach Shoji has her in there for a reason. All these young players are developing and will get better in time even the players that struggled early in the preseason. None of you know better than the coaches on the capabilities of each player.

By: bleachercoach

bleachercoach — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 07:51:27 +0000

7, 9…I agree!…I feel sorry for Baby “G” since she is from California…but if 14 is correct I could understand..other than that I would think she would be a pretty solid backcourt indoor since she a pretty phenomenal sand player..obviously she must be able to make plays being a top sand girl. Again when given the chance I bet she is or can be a “baller!” IMO just from watching her very limited play, she has the swagger to be a top libero or ds….Too bad she may only play indoor 1 year….that should be the only reason why she is not included. On the other hand, I am so happy for Ponce getting her shot. She has paid her dues and stuck it out as a walk-on. She epitomizes a true character many athletes lack today. She has waited years for an opportunity and it has arrived. Despite her tiny stature, she has been doing a good job serving and digging in the absence of Kahakai…Anderson too has done all you could ever ask for as a walk-on freshman…No doubt they both have filled in admirably…Keep up the good work girls!

By: kimo browner

kimo browner — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 06:09:06 +0000

Anderson has a great opportunity to show, that is, if Shoji gives her a chance.
We will not dominate CSUN or the Beach. Wahine will need to keep fresh legs in these two back to back matches. I will be shocked if she plays sparingly.

By: Hot

Hot — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 04:04:13 +0000

15. Don’t know what your issue with Mendoza is. She’s doing a great job. Yes, we’re used to those with super quick feet like Ilustre, Watanabe, Lee, Maeda and Longo, but the fact that Mendoza has good numbers on paper means she’s digging a lot. And she’s averaging 4 digs/set. That’s as good as Longo’s and Watanabe’s numbers. Yes, she could be faster, but she still is the best option for libero. That’s why they’re taking two other DS, so they can help her if needed.

You also have to remember that Shoji uses the libero differently. I think Longo is the only libero in Shoji’s tenure who was asked to cover as much court as she did. Even Villaroman and Ilustre, both national team products, were not asked to cover as much court.

By: wildcard

wildcard — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 03:51:31 +0000

i even recall the last time that happend i saw tai having to give mendoza a little push that the ball is going down. i think that was the first match vs nau.

By: wildcard

wildcard — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 03:45:27 +0000

17. actually prodding is putting it lightly, more like noticably physically pushed by another player to get the ball. it happened a few times. im sure it doesnt happen if at all anymore since irvine but im talking about from the getgo since ohio

By: Cindy Luis

Cindy Luis — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 02:36:41 +0000

15. have never seen her have to be prodded to go after a ball. There have been times when there was confusion over who was to take the first ball. someone saying ‘yours’ is hardly prodding. I’d call that communication. She is also the designated second setter on off plays and when the setter plays the first ball so there’s a lot of talking going on out there.