DENVER - Hawai`i setter Kanoe Kamana`o has been named the Western Athletic Conference Volleyball Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 13. This is the first WAC Player of the Week honor for the sophomore, who is the only remaining starter from last year's Rainbow Wahine squad that advanced to the NCAA Championships.
The Honolulu, Hawaii, native, was named the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Volleyball Challenge Most Outstanding Player, averaging 14.31 assists per game. She also averaged 3.38 digs per game with 0.69 blocks per in wins over Southwest Missouri State, No. 17 Santa Clara and No. 3 UCLA. The sophomore had three double-doubles in assists and digs, and has had a double-double in every match this season.
Against No. 17 Santa Clara, Kamana`o had 64 assists in the four-game win over the Broncos. She also added four kills and 11 digs in the match. Against No. 3 UCLA, she added 60 assists in the thrilling five-game match against the Bruins. She also added 18 digs in the match against the UCLA.
The Rainbow Wahine won three matches to win the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Volleyball Challenge. The team extended their winning streak against unranked teams to 179.
The Rainbow Wahine (6-0) moved up four spots to the No. 7 spot in this week's USA Today/CSTV Top 25 Coaches Poll Monday.
Minnesota took over the No. 1 spot, followed by USC, Washington, Florida and Penn State, to round out the top five.
Six of UH's 11 non-conference opponents are ranked in this week's poll. UCLA, which UH just beat on Sept. 11, is ranked at No. 6, receiving one first place vote. Also in the top 25 are No. 14 California, who will play the Rainbow Wahine on Friday, Sept. 17, No. 15 Arizona, No. 18 Pepperdine, No. 19 Santa Clara and No. 23 San Diego. UC Irvine, which will also play in this week's Waikiki Beach Marriott Volleyball Invitational, was listed under others receiving votes.