The University of Hawai’i men’s volleyball team, currently ranked third nationally, will host two doubleheaders this week at Bankoh Arena in the Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Warriors are set to face Roberts Wesleyan and Rockhurst on Wednesday, January 14, and Friday, January 16. Each day features matches at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., marking the first time Hawai’i has played either opponent.
Wednesday morning’s match is designated as “Education Day,” sponsored by Hawaiian Financial Federal Credit Union. Local elementary students from across O’ahu are invited for an event that aims to blend school spirit with community pride.
That evening, the Da Kine Series continues with Korean American Night. Also sponsored by Hawaiian Financial FCU, the event celebrates National Korean American Day (January 13) and highlights contributions of the Korean community in Hawai’i. Portions of the match will be announced in Korean with support from the UH Center for Korean Studies and the Korean Language Flagship Center.
Ticket promotions are available for all Wednesday matches during the season, offering select upper-level seats starting at $5. Food and beverage specials priced at $5 will also be offered on a first-come basis at Gate B. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Stan Sheriff Center box office.
Friday morning’s game is themed “Club Team Takeover Day,” sponsored by Coke. The event will spotlight youth volleyball as both local and mainland club teams attend.
Friday night’s match includes a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., recognizing his legacy ahead of Martin Luther King Day (January 19). Afterward, fans can meet players during an autograph session at Gate B.
The Rainbow Warriors enter these matches with a record of 3-1 after splitting a recent series against Loyola Chicago. Roberts Wesleyan (2-0), based in Rochester, New York, competes in its third year as a Division II program in the East Coast Conference; Rockhurst (1-2), from Kansas City, Missouri, is part of the Great Lakes Valley Conference and is in its second year as a Division II team.
These games continue Hawai’i’s tradition of scheduling emerging programs to help grow men’s volleyball nationwide. In recent years, UH has played several first- or second-year programs such as Edward Waters, Fairleigh Dickinson, Long Island (2022), Catawba (2025), Lincoln Memorial (2018), Queens (2019), and Missouri S&T (2024).
Television coverage will feature Kanoa Leahey on Wednesday play-by-play duties and Scott Robbs on Friday alongside analyst Chris McLachlin. ESPN+ will provide live streaming outside Hawai’i; radio broadcasts air on ESPN Honolulu with Tiff Wells calling play-by-play.
“With the sport of men’s volleyball becoming one of the fastest growing team sports in the NCAA, UH has helped its growth by scheduling several new programs.”
This week’s matches mark UH’s first contests against teams from Roberts Wesleyan’s East Coast Conference while maintaining an undefeated record against Great Lakes Valley Conference opponents.
