HONOLULU, Hawai'i – The No. 20 UC Santa Barbara Men's Volleyball team (7-14) is back in action after a week off as they take on the No. 5 University of Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors on their home court. The last time these two teams saw each other was in The Big West Semifinals last season where the Rainbow Warriors won in three sets.
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Gauchos played two Big West matches against then No. 5 UC Irvine both at the Bren Center and at The Thunderdome. Despite Geste Bianchi putting up double-digit kills in both matches, UC Santa Barbara could not stop the Anteaters as the Gauchos were swept on the road and at home.  
 
WRANGLING THE WARRIORS
Hawai'i has had a rough four-match stretch, collecting three of their four losses in that time. They lost both of their matches on the road against Long Beach State before splitting against CSUN.
 
This is one of the best offensive teams in the country, and that shows in the national rankings. They are No. 1 when it comes to aces and hitting percentage, averaging 2.3 aces per set while hitting at a .368 clip as a team.
 
Alaka'i Todd has stepped up big for the Rainbow Warriors since Spyros Chakas went down with an injury. He now leads the team in kills with 227 on the year. He is assisted by freshman Tread Rosenthal, who is the team's primary setter. He has racked up 720 assists across the season.
 
On defense, 'Elei Choy has been the biggest contributor. He is the only Warrior with double-digit digs as he has 140 on the season.
 
WHEREABOUTS
The Gauchos will take on the Rainbow Warriors in the Simplifi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center on Friday and Saturday, March 29 and 30. Both matches will take place at 10 p.m. PT with a live stream available through ESPN+.