All is not well in the land of Rainbow Warrior Volleyball. I had been anxious about Hawaii's back-loaded schedule, but the problems don't stop there.
While preparing to host BYU in a critical two match series, four Rainbow Warriors (three starters and one reserve) were suspended from the team by Coach Mike Wilton for "violation of team rules."
This could be a back-breaker for the 'Bows who had tumbled to sixth in the polls prior to dropping both ends of the BYU series.
#6 is no big deal in a sport like basketball where 65 teams get a post-season invite. But when you are competing with the five (and counting) teams ahead of you for two precious tickets, every match becomes crucial.
I admire Wilton for taking a stand, knowing how much it could cost his team. It was the knuckleheads, not Wilton who let the 'Bows down. Now they owe it to their team to do what it takes to come back and salvage the season.
Hawaii's best, and maybe only hope at this point will be to win the West. Failing to do that, in order to have any chance at the at-large bid, the Rainbow Warriors pretty much have to sweep the rest of their schedule which includes two matches each against Long Beach State and at Pepperdine, make the Finals in the West and lose to UCLA. The Bruins would be prohibitive favorites for the at-large bid if they don't win the West.
So, it's time to see what the 'Bows are made of. Their task is impressive but not impossible. Minus several weapons, they played BYU tough. And earlier in the season they split a two-match set with UCLA. Watch how they perform agains Long Beach State and Pepperdine to see if the 'Bows have re-acquired their season goals.
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