In November, slow traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway delayed the University of Hawaii volleyball team’s arrival for an exhibition match against Pepperdine in Malibu, Calif.

“We weren’t really warmed up,” said Kupono Fey, whose Rainbow Warriors still swept the exhibition.

For road matches against Pepperdine this Friday and Saturday, the Warriors warmed up with three three-set victories in last week’s Outrigger Resorts Invitational. The Warriors, ranked fifth nationally, and No. 12 Pepperdine open their Mountain Pacific Sports Federation schedule.

“They’re a young team, we’re a young team,” Fey said. “I’m excited to see how we’ll match up.”

The Warriors resolved vacancies created when opposite Brook Sedore and middles Taylor Averill and Davis Holt completed their eligibility the past May.

Stijn van Tilburg, a 6-foot-8 freshman from the Netherlands, seized the opposite’s job. In three Outrigger matches, he averaged 5.22 kills per set and hit .519. Van Tilburg expanded his offense, attacking D sets from the back right. Van Tilburg and setter Jennings Franciskovic had struggled with that play in the fall. But they were in sync during the tournament.

“We connected really well,” van Tilburg said. “It’s not only Jennings. It’s the whole passing line. Everybody is doing a great job. Siki (Zarkovic), Kupono and Kolby (Kanetake) are doing a great job receiving the ball. That makes it easier for Jennings, and easier for the attackers.”

Iain McKellar and Hendrik Mol — both converted opposites — appear comfortable in the middle. McKellar, a rare left-handed middle, has confounded blockers with his cut shots. Mol has extended his range, often attacking from the right side. McKellar and Mol give the Warriors a spin server at every rotation.

“Everybody can spin, everybody can dig, everybody can pass,” Fey said. “Everybody can play every position.”

The Warriors had an intensive practice on Tuesday, traveled on Wednesday, and are scheduled to practice in Firestone Fieldhouse today.