It’s a problem. A good problem, but a problem nonetheless.

Who is Hawaii’s setter this women’s volleyball season?

Senior Norene Iosia, in the program for the past three years?

Or Bailey Choy, a recent arrival after graduating from Utah in three years?

Or both?

In 2018, the Rainbow Wahine ran a 6-2 offense, where Iosia set in three rotations and then transitioned to pin hitter when Faith Ma’afala entered for three rotations in the back court.

Nothing is settled after nearly a week of practice. It may not be settled the rest of the season.

“I have absolutely no idea,” Hawaii coach Robyn Ah Mow said. “No one has a set position. Everybody has to fight it out and our setters are fighting it out.

“It’s a good thing. It makes our gym even better. Players can get complacent if they think they don’t have any competition.”

There is no worry there.

“Bailey pushes me to work even harder,” said Iosia, a three-time All-Big West first-teamer who prepped at Redondo (Calif.) Union High. “I think we’re doing a good job at pushing each other. We are talking about what we see, which helps us connect better with our hitters, getting to know them better.

“It’s very competitive and I’m really excited. I like the vibe in the gym.”

Choy, an ‘Iolani graduate, agrees.

“The environment that has been created in the gym is intense and everyone is here willing and ready to learn,” said Choy, a three-year starter at Utah. “It’s an awesome place to compete.

“I think Norene is an amazing setter. I like to watch and learn from her as well as from Coach Rob (Ah Mow). They both are giving me feedback. Norene pushes me when we do drills. I love having her right there with me.”

Ah Mow hasn’t ruled out returning to a modified 6-2, saying, “I’m open to anything that makes this team better. Whatever works for our team, whatever gets us points and is best for our team, I’m all for that.”

The former Wahine All-America setter likes what she has seen so far from the position she played in college, professionally and in three Olympics.

“Norene has improved at everything from last year,” Ah Mow said. “Bailey brings her volleyball knowledge and leadership.

“They’re both working hard. It might be a hard decision.”

Iosia credits her short stint with the Hawaii beach volleyball team for part of her improvement. She joined the SandBows after spring indoor was done, going 3-2 and earning the clinching point with freshman Sofia Russo in Hawaii’s victory over Stetson in an NCAA championship tournament elimination match.

“Beach helped a lot,” Iosia said. “It helps put emphasis on all the little things like passing. Every skill we did in beach sharpens your indoor skill.

“If we go to a 6-2? I’d do anything to get on the court, even if I have to play libero.”

Choy’s spring in Salt Lake City was spent finishing her undergraduate degree. She said she had options, including remaining with the Utes while pursuing her master’s degree.

“But I saw this as an opportunity where I could come home finally,” said Choy, who is enrolled in the Shidler College of Business. “I could make my dreams of when I was that little girl, watching in the Stan Sheriff (Center), watching the Rainbow Wahine play, come true.”

Note

Former Wahine hitter Trinity Castaneda, who left last semester, has transferred to UC San Diego. She played in five sets as a freshman last season. The Tritons will join the Big West in fall 2020.