The University of Hawai'i volleyball team's think tank is filled with unleaded hope.

In searching for stability in the serve-and-pass phase, "I'm going through a lot of lead," said coach Mike Wilton, who uses mechanical pencils to craft strategy.

The 2-6 start has left the Warriors off Volleyball Magazine's top-10 poll and scrambling for an immediate fix, especially on the left side.

"The players on the court who can serve and pass the best will play," Wilton said.

But Wilton's options are limited. His best passers are co-captains Lauri Hakala and Eric Kalima. But Hakala, who moved from opposite to the left side in the season's second week, is suffering from an abdominal strain. He will try to resume practicing today in preparation for tomorrow's match against UC Santa Barbara.

Kalima, who entered the season as a left-side hitter, has started at libero the past six matches.

Jake Schkud, Matt Vanzant and Ernie Vidinha are left-side candidates. Of the three, Schkud is the best hitter and blocker, but is an inconsistent passer.

"I've been working on my serves for a while," said Schkud, whose repertoire is a jump serve and jump float known as the "hissing cockroach."

After earning the start two weeks ago, Vanzant struggled with his hitting and serving.

Concern about Hakala's availability complicates the situation. Wilton has not ruled out using Kalima as a left-side hitter. For that to happen, freshman Ric Cervantes or Mike China, who did not play last season after transferring from Lewis, would have to take over at libero.

China, who made the last road trip as a designated server, is hopeful "reps and practice" will help.

Cervantes said: "I'm ready to do it. There's no question about that."

Wilton said second-year freshman Matt "Dragon" Rawson has claimed one of the starting jobs in the middle.

"He's one of our better blocking middles," Wilton said. "That defines the position."

Against UCLA last Friday, Rawson missed 60 percent of his serves. During Monday's practice, Rawson switched to a jump float, putting into play 92 percent of his serves.

Wilton said he wishes that accuracy transcends to the match for Rawson and his teammates.

"We have to be better at serving as a team and passing with most of our team," Wilton said. "I have to do a better job coaching."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.