Honolulu, HI- Anticipation abounds the Chaminade Women’s Volleyball team as they gear up for 2008. A strong nucleus of returners combined with some exciting newcomers doesn’t help stop the excitement for the upcoming 2008 campaign.
Led by 15th year head coach Glennie Adams, the Lady Swords have as demanding a preseason schedule as any in her decade and a half at the helm. Before conference play starts, CUH is set to face ten out-of –conference opponents, six of those tests being regional games. Coach Adams says that the pre-season schedule is “as strong as it’s ever been and it’s important that we get off to a good start.” Chaminade faces the likes of Cal Poly Pomona, Nebraska-Kearney, Central Washington, St. Martin’s, Seattle Pacific and Northwest Nazarene in regional battles.
Chaminade will have leadership on the outside, as the Swords return a two-time First Team All Pac West selection in 5’10 senior, Trina Kauliakamoa (Las Vegas, NV) along with Samantha Miller, a 5’10 sophomore from San Bruno, CA. Miller was an honorable mention all-conference selection as a freshman. Concerning Kauliakamoa, Coach Adams says, “it’s important for her to stay injury free, she’s a workhorse for us and needs to be a leader this year.” Joining them on the outside will be incoming recruit, Courtney Lorusso, who previously attended San Jose State. In regards to Lorusso, Coach Adams sees someone who “hits a heavy ball and brings an intensity that will help us.” Freshman Malilitago Toailoa of Waikaloa, HI will also be competing on the outside. In regards to Malili’s talent, Coach Adams comments, “she has great timing and technique on her blocks, we’re very happy she’s here.”
The Swords also bring back an experienced setter in sophomore Tanya Alvino of Brentwood, CA. Leading the team with 11.06 assists per game, Alvino will be counted on to run the team in 2008. On Alvino’s abilities, Coach Adams says “Tanya had a stable year for us, has worked hard to improve her defense and can be one of the top setters in the conference this year.” Sophomore Kylie Schwarm (Medford, OR) and freshman Kristina Donathan (Mililani, HI) bring competition to the setter spot.
Defensive specialist is a position that has great depth for the Swords in 2008. Senior Chelsey Powell (Honolulu, HI) has anchored the DS spot for several years along with junior Chantelle Maduli who finished fourth on the team in digs in 2007. Sophomore Shareyn Muneoka (Aiea, HI) has also shown promise as a defensive specialist for the Swords. Coach Adams believes “we are very deep at defensive specialist.” Freshmen Kristy Inamasu of Kahului, HI and Justine Jeremiah (Kailua, HI) will also be competing for time at DS.
2007 marked a difficult year for Chaminade’s middle blockers. Vanja Radanovic, a junior in 2008, suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the middle of an all-conference type season. In the eleven games Radanovic played, she was averaging 1 block per game, to go along with a .354 kill percentage, tops on the team. Coach Adams on Vanja’s injury, “She left here in great shape and by all accounts has been working hard back home. Vanja is poised to have a breakout year.” Joining Radanovic at middle blocker are sophomores Pisila Tukia (Chandler-Gilbert JC/Tempe, AZ) and Angela Mendiola (Waipahu, HI) and freshman Shannon Steed (Kenmore, WA). Tukia may be a surprise for the Swords in 2008. Injured as a freshman at Chandler-Gilbert JC, Tukia will be competing for a starting spot at middle blocker in the fall.
The Swords enter the 2008 season, with depth, experience and talent. However, like any team in August, with questions to answer as well. Last year, with a strong record of 15-7, was still a year riddled by injury and missed opportunity. The Swords have been extremely competitive, boasting a 32-13 record over the past two seasons, just missing post season play. A demanding preseason schedule and an always tough conference slate does the Swords no favors as they take on what will surely prove to be an entertaining 2008 campaign.