Last year, the Hawaii volleyball team proved it could go the distance.

This year’s resolution is to finish off matches.

"I think we’re better," coach Charlie Wade said of his Rainbow Warriors, who play UC San Diego tonight and Sunday afternoon in the Stan Sheriff Center.

In 2013, the Warriors played 15 five-set matches, a program record since rally scoring was implemented in 2001. But the Warriors won only six of those matches, and were 9-16 in the fifth set the past three seasons.

This season, the Warriors have played only one five-set match, an upset of Long Beach State a night after being swept.

"At the end of that match — the fourth and fifth sets — was the first time since last year you could tell we had to play at a really high level for a very long time to be really good," Wade said. "That was good for everybody. It was, ‘Oh, yeah, this is what it feels like.’ It was good."

The Warriors have more depth this season, which enabled Wade to expand his strategy. Against Long Beach State, Johann Timmer was in the opening lineup, enabling him to have two turns serving in place of middle Davis Holt.

Later, libero Kolby Kanetake subbed for opposite Brook Sedore. Kanetake made a key dig out of the left back, and middle Taylor Averill, who remained in the rotation, hit a D set from the back right.

"If we can get a point here and a point there, it might help in the end," Wade said.

Wade has been able to find roles for the 14 players on the active roster. Freshman Kupono Fey has spelled left-side hitters Siki Zarkovic and Jace Olsen. Hendrik Mol can play both pin sides. Jennings Franciscovic, a backup to setter Joby Ramos, has played in 13 of 19 sets.

"At some point, Jennings needs to go in," Wade said. "If Joby gets hurt or sick or something, you’ve got to get him out there. You can’t wait to put him out there when he’s had no seasoning. When we get the opportunity to roll him out there, we certainly will."

Nick West, the second middle, will miss at least another two weeks because of a fractured left finger. Holt is the primary replacement, although Fre Etim-Thomas, who is a little taller than 6-foot-3, is an intriguing option.

"Fre is the energizer," Wade said. "He has great energy and he’s fun to watch. He really makes you feel good about sports watching the guy play."

UCSan Diego is seeking a boost after opening the season with five consecutive losses. The Tritons are hitting .161.

"We need to take better care of the ball," UCSD coach Kevin Ring said.

"Sometimes that’s making better decisions if things are out of sync — either the sets are tough to hit or we’re out of system — while, at the same time, staying aggressive. Can we put that first ball away when the opponent serves to us?"

Ring said too often the Tritons’ best swings don’t result in sideouts.

"It’s not that we’re doing anything that poorly, but we’re just not terminating (plays) as often as we need to," Ring said.

The Tritons start four seniors. Johl Awerkamp, a 6-7 opposite, is the go-to hitter. He averages 2.71 kills per set, but is hitting only .154.