It never rains in Southern California, the old song goes.

Last night, the volleyball drought continued with Hawai'i's arid 30-22, 24-30, 30-26, 30-24 loss to host Southern California in the Galen Center.

"We didn't bring much on the court," UH coach Mike Wilton said of the Warriors' third consecutive road loss. "I don't know why. They out-scrapped us. That's a horrible feeling."

The Warriors, who entered in eighth place in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, traded places with the Trojans, who entered at No. 9. The top eight teams qualify for the MPSF playoffs.

The Warriors, 9-11 overall and 6-9 in the MPSF, have seven matches remaining, including three on this road trip.

The Warriors are expected to be without their leading attacker, left-side hitter Jim Clar, for tonight's rematch. Clar aggravated a sore right (swinging) shoulder in the fourth game. He left in pain — and with 16 kills (against three errors) in 39 swings.

"He was in a lot of pain," Wilton said, noting Clar suffered the injury on a spike attempt. "After he took a swing at it, he looked right at me. I knew he had to come out."

Wilton said he has not decided on a replacement.

Middle blocker Matt "Dragon" Rawson appeared to aggravate his already torn right labrum in his swinging shoulder in Game 4. Rawson exited. Wilton is hopeful that Rawson, who has played despite the injury for about three weeks, will be available tonight.

"He said he will be able to come back," Wilton said.

For now, Wilton would be pleased with improved serving and enthusiasm. The Warriors were unsuccessful in disrupting the Trojans' rhythm.

"Our serving wasn't there," Wilton said. "We weren't able to put a lot of zip on our serves. They were pretty to easy to pass."

Wilton refused to blame the surroundings or the road hardships.

"To say 'yes' to either would sound like a horrible excuse," Wilton said. "I don't think we made an emotional investment in the match. We had some bright moments, but not enough. We need to redeem ourselves."

Murphy Troy led USC with 32 kills.