After a month of grueling two-a-days in training camp, the University of Hawaii women’s volleyball team is ready to open its 2025 season.
The five-time defending Big West Conference champions begin play Friday night against Marquette in the Hawaiian Airlines Classic at Bankoh Arena.
The three-night tournament continues with matchups against Utah State on Saturday and San Diego on Sunday.
One of the biggest questions entering the season is who will take over at setter following the graduation of four-year starter Kate Lang. Sophomores Adrianna Arquette and Audrey Hollis remain locked in a competition that head coach Robyn Ah Mow said could extend into the regular season.
“It’s 50-50. They’re battling, and it’s a good battle,” Ah Mow said. “I feel like I can put either one in. I can use a 6-2 and have another hitter. They both hit, too, but right now we’ve just been focusing on setting and getting the ball where it needs to be. We don’t know yet, but it’s good that we have those choices.”
Middle blocker Miliana Sylvester said the hitters have confidence in both setters.
“They’re super hardworking and both battling,” Sylvester said. “We’re focusing on tempo in the gym, and they both do a great job of connecting with each individual hitter. It’s getting better every day.”
Junior outside hitter Tali Hakas said the team isn’t putting pressure on itself for the opener.
“I’m not stressed right now,” Hakas said. “It’s the first game and we have a long season. It’s not going to look perfect at the beginning, but it’s a process. The goal is to be our strongest at the end.”
The Rainbow Wahine will face Marquette on Friday at 7:00 p.m., followed by Utah State on Saturday with the same start time. Sunday’s match against San Diego is set for 5:00 p.m.
All three matches will be televised on Spectrum OC16 with radio coverage via ESPN Honolulu.