In what is becoming a familiar volleyball plotline, Hawai'i struggled early and then missed too many serves in falling to host Brigham Young, 30-23, 30-28, 30-28, yesterday in the Smith Fieldhouse in Provo, Utah.

The Warriors squandered a 26-22 lead in the second set and, after rallying from a 29-24 deficit in the third set, served long at match point.

At more than 4,500 feet above sea level, Provo's thin air causes the volleyball to sail, particularly on serves.

But UH coach Mike Wilton noted: "We had a practice and two matches here. We should have been able to dial in."

Unfortunately, the calls were long distance. The Warriors missed 19 serves. They had one ace.

The Cougars, meanwhile, had seven aces to offset 14 service errors.

The Warriors, who brought 12 of an allowable 14 players on this trip, were further short-handed when libero Ric Cervantes was unavailable because of flu-like symptoms. Mike China, the usual designated server, played libero. Opposite attacker Brennon Dyer was used as the serving specialist.

Jim Clar, the team captain, made his first start of the season. He was at opposite, hitting mostly from the right side. He had 11 kills before tiring.

Steven Hunt led the Warriors with 15 kills, and Gus Tuaniga had 10 kills without an error. Both are freshmen.

"Steven Hunt and Gus Tuaniga are becoming players," Wilton said. "They're gaining confidence. They're making mistakes, but they're getting better. I like their progress."

Wilton said he is deciding whether to move Josh Walker, who did not play, to opposite. Walker is a better on the left side. But that spot requires accurate passing. Wilton said it might be easier for Walker to develop as an opposite attacker than a passer.

Note: The Hawai'i Speed and Quickness clinics will be held today and tomorrow at UH's Klum Gym. Sessions are $10 each, and run from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. It is open to all ages.

For details, call 949-5997.