HONOLULU — Wednesday’s preseason Big West Conference men’s volleyball poll served as confirmation that the two-time defending national champions are widely expected to contend again.
Hawaii, which returns its entire starting lineup from its 2022 NCAA title team, received the maximum of five first-place votes in the six-team conference. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team.
Long Beach State, the last team to win the national title besides Hawaii and the 2022 Big West regular-season champion, was picked to finish runner-up. UC Irvine, tabbed third, received Charlie Wade’s first-place vote.
UC Santa Barbara, Cal State Northridge and UC San Diego rounded out the picks.
Three UH players were named to the preseason all-conference team: senior setter Jakob Thelle, junior hitter Spyros Chakas and junior opposite Dimitrios Mouchlias. Thelle is the reigning Big West Player of the Year and Big West tournament Most Outstanding Player.
The Rainbow Warriors open the season Jan. 12 against Ball State at SimpliFi Arena.
Rk. Team – Points (1st Place Votes)
1. Hawai'i – 25 (5)
2. Long Beach State – 19
3. UC Irvine – 17 (1)
4. UC Santa Barbara – 13
5. CSUN – 10
6. UC San Diego – 6
Brian McInnis covers the state’s sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.