Nothing about Tai Manu-Loevao’s performance surprised Dave Shoji.
As far as the veteran coach is concerned, the Hilo native is right on course.
Manu-Loevao pounded a career-high 17 kills and Taylor Higgins dazzled with eight aces Thursday night as the No. 20 Rainbow Wahine overcame New Mexico 24-26, 25-18, 25-11, 25-17 in Honolulu.
“We knew that Tai was going to be better this year. Last year, she was in and out,” Shoji said on the OC16 broadcast.
Manu-Loevao, a junior who played in high school at Punahou (Oahu), hit .229 on 48 swings, recording eight digs and three blocks as new-look UH improved to 3-1.
“She’s really taking on some leadership,” Shoji said. “She was named assistant captain because of that. She’s just done a marvelous job on the court. It’s wonderful, and she’s just now getting rewarded for the hard work.”
Higgins’ service output set a UH record for a four-set match, and the sophomore setter added 46 assists.
“She’s got some pace on the ball,” Shoji said. “That’s what you have to have on a jump-serve and on a spin-serve.”
Olivia Magill added 11 kills on an efficient .500 hitting with seven blocks, and Shoji also liked the contributions he got from freshmen Kalei Greeley (seven kills) and Megan Huff (six).
“I didn’t want to have two freshman out there, but they seemed to really pick up the team,” Shoji said.
Chantale Riddle carried the Lobos (2-2) with 11 kills, capping a 6-1 run to end the first set.
Consecutive Higgins aces helped Hawaii take off in Game 2, the ‘Bows hit .344 in the third set and Magill’s kill and an ace by Higgins keyed a 8-2 run in the fourth set.
In the early match at the Hawaii Airlines Rainbow Wahine Volleyball Classic, Oregon stopped St. John’s 25-18, 20-25, 25-14, 25-18.
The Rainbow Wahine face Oregon at 7:30 p.m. Friday, after New Mexico and St. John’s play at 5 p.m.
