It’s not just one trap match for Hawaii this week but two as the No. 8 Rainbow Wahine host UC Davis and UC Irvine on consecutive nights in Big West play.

Hawaii is coming off Sunday’s huge emotional five-set victory over Long Beach State and some sort of let down could be expected. But with the Wahine’s precarious Ratings Percentage Index ranking of 28 and an 11-match win streak on the line, the last thing Hawaii can afford to do is stumble against teams — at least on paper — it shouldn’t.

"It’s a dangerous week for us," Wahine coach Dave Shoji said. "Both teams are sub-.500 but we know we can’t just show up and expect to win. We have to continue to play hard and get better."

Unlike last week where Hawaii had a day off between matches with CSUN and Long Beach State, the Wahine (16-1, 6-0) will take on the Aggies (9-11, 4-2) and Anteaters (8-10, 2-4) back-to-back. It’s not the ideal schedule but it is good preparation for when Hawaii will be on the road for its last six matches, including four in seven days.

"We didn’t play that well against Long Beach," Wahine sophomore libero Savanah Kahakai said. "We know we could have done better and that’s what we want to do this week."

It’s the goal for UC Davis as well. The Aggies have won their last four — all at home — after playing 15 of its first 16 matches on the road to open the season.

The plan is to pressure Hawaii with tough serving to take away the Wahine’s potent middle attack, according to UCD coach Dan Conners. It could be easier said than done.

"This is a huge challenge for us," Conners said. "Because from what I’ve seen, Hawaii’s passing is the best in the conference.

"Hawaii has the top three middles in the conference in hitting efficiency. Even if we are able to get them off the net we are face with a strong group of pin hitters that can efficiently hit out-of-system balls.

"Hawaii has been doing a great job controlling the net all year from a blocking standpoint. Their size and ability to penetrate has been a huge asset for them this year. We will have to figure out a plan to neutralize their net play."

Few teams have figured that out. Hawaii is No. 1 nationally in blocking at 3.40 blocks per set and is third in total blocks (204), helped by the 11 last Friday against CSUN and 20 versus The Beach.

Conners, in his second season, said the focus as his team nears the mid-point of the season, is to continue to get better "one play at a time," he said. "I look forward to the match, competing in front of the Hawaii fans is always a treat. They have a deep understanding and passion for the game. It is an incredible atmosphere and a fun and exciting place to play."

It’s homecoming week for former Hawaii volunteer assistant coach Kaleo Baxter, an assistant at UCI which saw a complete changeover in staff after the departure of former coach Paula Weishoff. Former Anteater setter Ashlie Hain is in her first year as head coach and has former Long Beach State All-American setter Sabrina Hernandez returning for her second stint as an assistant.

"It’s definitely something I am looking forward to," said Baxter, a Kauai High graduate who played at Irvine Valley and CSUN. "My family will be traveling from Kauai and it will be nice to see friends.

"Volunteering for Dave and Robyn (Wahine assistant Ah Mow-Santos) for three seasons was something I really enjoyed and it was an opportunity of a lifetime. I absorbed as much information as possible and it has allowed me to further my career as a collegiate coach. But this weekend is not about me coming back as a coach across the net. These girls have the opportunity to play in front of THE greatest crowd in collegiate volleyball. We are all looking forward to a great match."

Hawaii continues to heal after a rash of injuries earlier this month. While it is likely sophomore setter Kendra Koelsch will make her fourth consecutive start, junior setter Tayler Higgins was cleared to practice Wednesday and showed little affect from her sprained left ankle injured on Oct. 2 at Cal State Fullerton.

Sophomore hitter Kalei Greeley continues to play through the knee sprain suffered Oct. 3 at UC Riverside and sophomore middle Emily Maglio appears recovered from a rolled ankle that slowed her last week.