The Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball team is determined to overcome obstacles as they prepare for a challenging homestand against top league contenders. Currently, the team holds a record of 6-9 overall and 2-2 in Big West Conference play. This weekend, they face the Cal Poly Mustangs, who are 12-5 overall and 3-2 in the conference, on their home court at Bankoh Arena in the Stan Sheriff Center. The Mustangs previously lost to Hawaii in the Big West Championships last November, adding extra motivation for both teams.
Cal Poly arrives fresh off a five-set victory against UC Santa Barbara, one of the other leading teams in the conference, and will be a formidable opponent for the Rainbow Wahine. Following the match against Cal Poly, Hawaii will take on the Gauchos on Sunday at 17:00, marking a pivotal moment in their season.
The Rainbow Wahine’s journey has been marked by struggles, particularly with injuries. They secured wins against lower-ranked teams, including victories over UC Riverside and Cal State Bakersfield, but faced setbacks against UC Davis, tied for first place, and suffered a concerning loss to Cal State Northridge last Saturday. In that match, Hawaii experienced a significant setback, finishing with a 25-12 set loss, a stark contrast to their historical success against the Matadors, whom they had previously defeated in their last 18 encounters.
Sophomore Adrianna Arquette emphasized the importance of adaptability, stating, “Against CSUN we didn’t make quick changes during the game. We got shut down in some aspects, and we didn’t adjust quickly enough.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern within the team, as they work to maintain consistency throughout matches. Associate coach Kaleo Baxter highlighted the need for the team to navigate their inconsistencies, asserting that the coaching staff remains committed to their development.
Baxter affirmed, “We haven’t given up on this team at all. They haven’t given up on the season. They know the season is very long and they’re grinding every single day.” The coaching staff continues to challenge the players daily, reminding them to focus on their performance and unity as they strive to embody the spirit of Wahine volleyball.
The team’s defensive prowess is led by sophomore libero Victoria Leyva, who ranks fifth in the conference with an impressive average of 4.07 digs per set. Leyva has recorded five matches this season with over 20 digs. Since their first win against Utah Valley, she has averaged 22.2 digs per match in victories, compared to 12.4 digs per match in losses. Reflecting on her performance, Leyva remarked, “I still totally 100% believe we have the pieces to go out there and perform really well.”
Injuries have also impacted the roster, with senior Bri Gunderson missing the match against Cal State Bakersfield but returning to play against CSUN, contributing three kills without any errors. Freshman outside hitter Cha’lei Reid, who had been dealing with an ankle issue, has also faced challenges, recently struggling with her hitting average. Baxter noted the significant burden on Reid, stating, “It’s a lot for us to rely so heavily on a freshman when it comes to point production.”
As the Rainbow Wahine gear up for this critical homestand, their resilience and commitment to improvement will be tested. Facing two challenging opponents in quick succession, the team aims to harness their collective strength and skills to turn their season around. With determination and unity, the Rainbow Wahine seek to rise to the occasion and reaffirm their place in the competitive landscape of collegiate volleyball.
