Wahine alumnae ready
By Cindy Luis
to serve up memories
Star-Bulletin
There are as many kids as knee braces. As many kisses as kills.
Such are the "practices" for Saturday's Green-White alumnae match at the Special Events Arena at 5 p.m. Old Wahine never die . . . they just keep coming back to have fun.
The players date back to the first University of Hawaii's women's volleyball team in 1974. The rosters span all four championship seasons through last year's NCAA second-place showing.
Green coach Dean Nowack was grumbling that the White team was stacked. Nowack, the former Wahine assistant griped, that is, until Joselyn Robins showed up and started banging away.
"I have a great team," said Nowack, an assistant from 1982-88. "The game plan is to set Joselyn every play and have her play middle, too."
Robins, an outside hitter known for her jumping abilities, is one of the youngest alumna. She and White member Chastity Nobriga concluded their careers last December.
The first order of business at Tuesday's practice? Pointing the way to rolls of athletic tape and an available trainer.
Some haven't touched a volleyball since the alumnae match two years ago.
Waynette Mitchell (1976-79) becomes the White's designated server for reasons known only to Nahaku Brown (1978-81). White coach Beth McLachlin (1974-75, '77) asked for volunteers for middle blockers.
Nowack tells his wife, Marcie Wurts Nowack (1980-83), not to serve overhand. Her rotator cuff might need surgery.
Green setter Kelly Knowles (1984) goes with an "up" offense. A sideline observer translates that to mean "made up."
Laughter drowns out the play calling. There's a request to set 5-foot-4 Naomi Higa (1983-86) in the back row.
Serious play is sprinkled among the jokes. Terry Malterre Spencer (1975-79) can still put up a big block. Joyce Ka'apuni (1974, '76, '82-83) still can set from anywhere.
No one wants to take a water break. "Rigor mortis might set in if we stop," said Cheryl Grimm (1976-79).
There's nine All-Americans scheduled to play, and more than a dozen all-league picks. But more important to them is the bond that comes with having played for the Wahine.
CRUZ GIVES CONCERT: Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner John Cruz will perform at the arena after Saturday's Green-White varsity scrimmage.
Green-White Night
White-Robyn Ah Mow, Chastity Nobriga, Terry Maltere-Spencer, Tita Ahuna, Mahina Eleneki, Waynette Mitchell, Nahaku Brown Lani Hayes Elliazar, Sista Palakiko-Beazley, Toni Nishida Chock, Wendi Park, Bobbie Perry, Cheryl Grimm, Chastity Kanoa. Beth McLachlin (coach), Cindy Luis (assistant), Donna Mercado Kim (assistant).
