HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i women's volleyball team began its first day of practice Monday afternoon at the Stan Sheriff Center, as the Rainbow Wahine prepare for the season opener Aug. 28.

 

In Dave Shoji's 35^th season, UH comes into the season ranked No. 7 by Volleyball Magazine and is the favorite to win its 14^th-straight Western Athletic Conference title.

 

“This day is always very exciting, I look forward to it all summer,” Shoji said. “It's good to get on the court and start working on the little things that need to be in place by August 28.”

 

The Rainbow Wahine return four starters from last year's team that finished 31-4 and reached the NCAA Regional Final.

 

Seniors Amber Kaufman and Aneli Cubi-Otineru are back, along with junior setter Dani Mafua and sophomore outside hitter Kanani Danielson. All four started last season and will be looked upon to lead the Rainbow Wahine this season.

 

“I enjoy getting back on the court with my teammates,” Danielson said. “We all have a goal and we want to start working to reach that goal as soon as possible.”

 

UH begins the season at the Stan Sheriff Center when it hosts the Chevron Rainbow Wahine Invitational. UCLA and Santa Clara kick off the tournament Aug. 28 at 5 p.m., followed by UH and Western Michigan at 7 p.m.