HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine sand volleyball team will open its 2013 season at home with two days of action at the Queen's Beach Sandbox on March 15 and 16. The Rainbow Wahine will host Florida International in a dual match on Friday, March 15 at 9:30 a.m., before competing with FIU, Hawai'i Pacific and Chaminade in an all-day tournament on Saturday, March 16, beginning at 7:30 a.m.  
 
Action will take place on four different courts at the Sandbox and fans are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs and towels. This weekend's action will be the only chance to catch the team at home this year, as the program plays the remainder of its events on the mainland.
 
The Rainbow Wahine begin their second season of sand volleyball, an emerging NCAA sport that debuted in 2012. UH is ranked fifth in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Preseason Poll. FIU, beginning its first season, is ranked 8th in the poll.
 
In Friday's dual meet, each school will field five doubles teams ranked by ability. Each doubles team plays against the corresponding team or teams from other schools with each doubles match worth one point. The team meet is won by the school capturing three of the five matches. Saturday's tournament will include pool play in the morning followed by a championship, single-elimination bracket in the afternoon.
 
For more information on the rules and regulations of collegiate sand volleyball click here.
 
UH returns three players from last year's squad that finished 4-6 in dual matches. Among the returnees this year is All-American Jane Croson who represented UH in the pairs national championship in Alabama.  Thirteen of the team's 16 players will be playing their first season for the Rainbow Wahine, while half of the team's roster (8) are members of the school's indoor squad also.
 
 
Quick Set
What: NCAA Sand Volleyball
When: Friday, March 15; first serve 9:30 a.m. – Dual Match vs. Florida International   Saturday, March 16; first serve 7:30 a.m. – Hawai'i Tournament (Chaminade,
FIU, Hawai'i Pacific, UH)  
Where: The Queen's Beach Sandbox in Waikiki
Admission: Free