With a few taps on the computer keyboard, University of Hawai'i volleyball player Eric Kalima's height was changed from 5 feet 9 to the correct measurement of 6-2 on the school's Web site.

Kalima also has grown dramatically as a player.

The 2002 Kamehameha Schools graduate will start at outside hitter in tonight's exhibition against UC Santa Barbara. First serve is at 7 p.m. in the Stan Sheriff Center.

"Right now, he's our most physical player," UH coach Mike Wilton said.

Kalima was a seldom-used libero. He redshirted in 2003, did not play in 2004, and appeared in two games last season. His career totals are: one match, one dig.

At the start of fall training, Kalima was asked to move to second left-side hitter, a position that serves as a primary passer and third-option attacker. "Coach told me he wanted to get a look at me there, and I said, 'Sure. Why not?'" Kalima recalled.

Because of space limitations in the gym and on the active roster, Kalima had battled for significant practice time at UH. But this fall, Wilton adopted the "cauldron effect" developed by Anson Dorrance, coach of the North Carolina women's soccer team.

In the system, data from practices and matches are collected, and then thrown into the metaphorical "cauldron." A weighted point formula is used. For instance, more points are awarded in 6-on-6 drills than 3-on-3 practices. The point leaders at each position are rewarded with starting jobs.

"What you're keeping track of is wins," Wilton said. "Maybe there are guys who have glossy hitting percentages, but they're just horrible to play with. If you're a good teammate, all of that comes out in the cauldron. In the end, we find out the answer to: How much do you win?"

Wilton said senior outside hitter Matt Carere scored the highest. Kalima was second, 16 points behind. "But that's extremely close," Wilton said. "The points were in the 7,000s."

Kalima said he had to adjust to blocking and reading the opposing setter. As a libero, he was not allowed to block or attack.

"Blocking was the hardest part," said Kalima, who can touch 10 feet 10. He also has fully recovered from a sprained ankle that kept him from five practices earlier this month.

"Right now, he's one of the best (blockers) among the outside players," Wilton said. "He's got really good discipline and technique."

Wilton said Brian Beckwith has emerged as the top setter. Beckwith will start tonight and Sean Carney will open in tomorrow night's rematch.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.