The Hawai'i volleyball team's "concrete" lineup was drying when coach Mike Wilton reopened the competition at outside hitter.

"I know I told (reporters) I wasn't inclined to make changes, but (the lineup) is actually day by day now," Wilton said yesterday in preparation for tomorrow's match against Douglas. "It's pretty close among some guys."

In Wilton's comprehensive evaluation system, Eric Kalima, a converted libero, earned the most points among the outside hitters during fall training. But Wilton said fifth-year senior José José Delgado and second-year junior Lauri Hakala are challenging for one of the starting jobs on the left side. Matt Carere, who was named the floor captain, is expected to start at the other left-side spot.

Delgado, who has fully recovered from a back injury, has gained 10 pounds (he's 195) and shed his brooding demeanor. "I used to worry too much," he said. "This year, I'm more comfortable. I'm going to keep my head up."

Hakala, who has a powerful swing, said he is more focused on serves. "Inconsistency was a problem," he said. "Now I'm putting my mind into every serve."

Meanwhile, Kalima has progressed since joining UH as a 145-pound defensive specialist two years ago. "I'm adjusting to the outside," said Kalima, who is 6 feet 1 and 185 pounds. "I'm getting better at blocking. That was the hardest adjustment."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.