The Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball team is determined to maintain their unity as they navigate a challenging season in the Big West Conference. With a current record of 6-9 and 2-2 in conference play, the team faces a crucial homestand this weekend against two of the league’s top competitors, starting with the Cal Poly Mustangs at the Bankoh Arena on the evening of March 15, 2024.
Cal Poly, boasting a record of 12-5 and 3-2 in the conference, previously fell to Hawaii in the final of the Big West Championships last November. The Mustangs are coming off a hard-fought five-set victory over UC Santa Barbara, who will also visit Hawaii for a match on March 17, 2024.
Despite the team’s recent struggles, particularly with injuries, the Rainbow Wahine have shown resilience. They secured victories against lower-ranked teams, including UC Riverside and Cal State Bakersfield. However, they faced setbacks against UC Davis, currently tied for first place, and a disappointing three-set loss to Cal State Northridge, which had previously lost 18 consecutive matches to Hawaii.
Sophomore Adrianna Arquette reflected on the team’s performance, noting, “Against CSUN, we didn’t make quick changes during the game. We got shut down in some aspects and let ourselves down.” The team’s Associate Coach Kaleo Baxter emphasized the need for consistency, stating that the coaching staff remains committed to developing the players through daily practice. “We haven’t given up on this team at all. They know the season is very long and they’re grinding every single day,” Baxter said.
The Rainbow Wahine’s defensive strength is highlighted by sophomore libero Victoria Leyva, who ranks fifth in the conference with an average of 4.07 digs per set. Leyva has recorded five matches with more than 20 digs this season. “I believe we have the pieces to perform really well,” Leyva remarked, acknowledging her ongoing journey to manage emotions during games.
Senior Bri Gunderson made a notable return to the court after missing the previous match, contributing significantly against CSUN with three kills in nine attempts. Freshman outside hitter Cha’lei Reid, despite dealing with a minor ankle issue, also played a crucial role with six kills. Baxter praised Reid’s contributions, highlighting the challenge of relying on a freshman for consistent performance. “It’s really hard for a freshman to be really good her freshman year, and we think she is doing a good job,” he said.
As the Rainbow Wahine prepare for their upcoming matches, their commitment to growth and teamwork remains central to their strategy. With a long season ahead, they aim to harness their collective strength to overcome the obstacles and secure a strong finish in the conference.
