The University of Hawai'i volleyball team's season-opening road trip is a quest for fire.

"I think we had really good chemistry (in fall training) before we took the (three-week) break," middle blocker Kyle Klinger said. "It's now getting that back. We lost a lot of guys from last year, but we have a lot of guys on this team with experience. I don't think that's going to be a problem this year. I think we need to get that swagger back. It's going to take some practice time."

And good health. Several Warriors have endured flu-like symptoms, impeding their preparation for matches against top-ranked UC Irvine tomorrow and Saturday. Setter Brian Beckwith resumed practicing Tuesday, and opposite attacker Lauri Hakala and Klinger practiced yesterday morning.

"My fever broke Tuesday morning," Klinger said. "I might have lost a couple of pounds, but I feel fine. I still have a little cough."

The only uncertainty is middle blocker Dio Dante, a fifth-year senior who missed his third consecutive practice because of illness. Dante is on the 13-player travel roster. But UH coach Mike Wilton said second-year freshman Matthew "Dragon" Rawson "probably is going to have to start."

"Dio is a great unknown," added Wilton, noting Dante appears to have fully recovered from a thumb injury suffered during fall drills. "It's a matter of getting healthy and getting volleyball reps. He wasn't able to do much all fall. He's behind in that regard. It might take a little time."

The Warriors will practice in cozy Crawford Gym today, after which Wilton will finalize a lineup. Ernie Vidinha, Mark Ribeiro and Matt Vanzant are competing for one outside position, and Ric Cervantes and Michael China are the top candidates at libero.

The Warriors will practice passing and serving tomorrow morning in Bren Arena.