The sixth-ranked University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team embarks on a pivotal road trip to No. 11 UC Santa Barbara for a two-match Big West Conference series, Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7 at the Thunderdome.
 
The Rainbow Warriors (15-6, 3-3 BWC) and Gauchos (11-8, 3-3) are currently in a four-way tie for second place in the BWC standings behind leader Long Beach State with two weekends left in the regular season.
 
UH got a much-needed two-match sweep of UC San Diego last week while UCSB split a two-match series with CSUN and dropped a mid-week, non-conference match at UCLA. The Gauchos and Matadors each won on the other teams' homecourt which left a logjam for second place in the BWC standings.
 
In their last outing, the Warriors offense found its rhythm, hitting .558 in a straight-set win over the Tritons. UH's defense also came alive with 17 blocks, led by the Big West Defensive Player of the Week Patrick Gasman's nine stuffs. Hawai'i also averaged 12.0 digs per set with libero Larry Tuileta posting consecutive double-digit totals.
 
The Warriors lead the all-time series 46-37, including a series sweep last season. However, the Gauchos have won nine of the last 13 meetings dating back to 2011.
 
Matches #22-23
Who: No. 6 Hawai'i (15-6, 3-3 BWC) vs. No. 11 UC Santa Barbara (11-8, 3-3 BWC)
When: Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7
Time: 7:00 p.m. PT (4:00 p.m. HT) both days
Where: Rob Gym; Santa Barbara, Calif.
Television Coverage: None
Streaming Video: www.bigwest.tv
Radio Coverage: None
Audio Webcast: None
Live Stats: Available at ucsbgauchos.com