Check out the FloVolleyball NCAA Countdown, where we rank the top 20 collegiate women's volleyball teams in the country leading up to opening day on August 26. The No. 9 spot goes to Hawaii this year, and here's why:

The Upshot

Hawaii proves it can go far in the tournament when the NCAA selection committee sends it somewhere other than Seattle.

Last Season

• 29-2 overall, 16-0 in Big West (champions)
  
• 3-1 in NCAA Tournament (lost 3-1 vs. Minnesota @ Des Moines)
  
• No. 15 in final 2015 RPI
  
• Team hitting percentage: .288 (#8 in nation)
  
• Opponents’ hitting percentage: .162 (#17 in nation)
  
• Team blocks per set: 3.06 (#2 in nation)
  

The Players

RETURNING STARS

Nikki Taylor | 6-4 | Senior | Opposite
4.46 kills/set (.271); 1.10 blocks/set; Second Team All-American

Tayler Higgins | 5-9 | Senior | Setter
10.38 assists/set

Kalei Greely | 6-2 | Junior | Outside Hitter
2.18 kills/set (.260); 0.48 blocks/set

Emily Maglio | 6-3 | Junior | Middle Blocker
1.98 kills/set (.384); 1.13 blocks/set

Savanah Kahakai | 5-8 | Junior | Libero
3.96 digs/set

PROMISING NEWCOMERS

Norene Iosia | 5-11 | Freshman | Setter
Kirsten Sibley | 6-2 | Freshman | Outside Hitter
McKenna Ross | 5-10 | Freshman | Defensive Specialist
Emma Smith | 5-8 | Freshman | Defensive Specialist

BIGGEST LOSSES

Olivia Magill | 6-1 | Middle Blocker
2.65 kills/set (.412, #16 in nation); 1.44 blocks/set (#15 in nation)

Tai Manu-Olevao | 6-0 | Outside Hitter
2.62 kills/set (.227); 0.45 blocks/set

Non-Conference Matches to Watch

August 26 vs Wisconsin
September 3 vs UCLA
September 11 vs Washington

Outlook

When the Rainbow Wahine opened their 2016 training last week, head coach Dave Shoji (42nd season) was not in the gym. He had a pretty good excuse, though: he was in Rio watching sons Erik and Kawika play for the U.S. Olympic team. The U.S. men lost their first two matches, the same number Hawaii lost all last season. The Wahine had a magical tournament, defeating TCU, Texas A&M, and Penn State before finally succumbing to Minnesota. Most of that team is back for 2016, with the notable exception of graduate Olivia Magill, whose attacking and blocking were key to Hawaii’s run. The role of lynchpin now falls on 6-4 senior opposite Nikki Taylor, who contributed almost 4.5 kills per set in 2015. The 6-2 Kalei Greeley will likely be paired at outside hitter with 6-0 sophomore McKenna Granato. Senior Tayler Higgins is the setter, but incoming freshman Norene Iosia will press for playing time.

Hawaii went 16-0 in the Big West last season, but the conference should be improved, especially Long Beach State. As always, Hawaii hosts its first three weeks of non-conference play at wonderful Stan Sheriff Center. And, as usual, a few heavy hitters will pay a visit, including Wisconsin, UCLA, and the Wahine’s tournament nemesis, Washington. We should know by September 12 whether Hawaii is the real deal.

Prediction

If Hawaii can pick up an upset against Wisconsin, UCLA, and/or Washington, and if the Big West Conference improves its national standing, Hawaii could finally realize its dream of hosting the first four rounds of the tournament at Stan Sheriff.

Previously:
20. Louisville
19. UNC
18. BYU
17. Illinois
16. Purdue
15. Texas A&M
14. Oregon
13. Ohio State
12. Penn State
11. Florida
10. USC

Additional research and reporting contributed by Leslie Hamann.