Sakanoko, Rosenthal earn weekly Big West Player of the Week honors

The University of Hawai’i men’s volleyball team claimed two weekly honors from the Big West Conference after sweeping BYU in matches last Wednesday and Friday.

Junior outside hitter Louis Sakanoko was named the Big West Offensive Player of the Week, while junior Tread Rosenthal earned Setter of the Week honors.

It marked Sakanoko’s first weekly award of the season and the second of his career. Rosenthal collected the honor for the fifth time this year and the 10th time in his career.

Sakanoko totaled 30 kills and hit .436 in the two-match series against BYU. He added 11 digs, three aces and three blocks, recording 15 kills in each match. He has reached double-figure kills in six matches this season.

“It’s great,” Sakanoko said. “Personal accomplishment is great, but honestly I’m even more happy that we’re able to beat BYU twice. I think for the team it’s more important than just a personal thing.”

Hawai’i coach Charlie Wade praised Sakanoko’s development.

“It’s really impressive,” Wade said. “It’s just real comforting and rewarding to see the evolution of a young man. We saw the raw talent, and now to see him be able to modulate — he’s more in control.

“Really it’s reflective of his practice habits and his training habits. He’s more committed to his craft, he goes hard every day in practice and that’s always a good sign.”

Louis Sakanoko celebrates after putting down a point in last Wednesday’s match against BYU. | Photo Rayden Aoki

Rosenthal averaged 11.14 assists per set as the Rainbow Warriors hit .455 as a team in the series. He also contributed seven kills, four aces, 11 digs and four blocks.

In Wednesday’s four-set win, Rosenthal finished with 46 assists, three kills, six digs and three blocks. He followed with 32 assists, three kills, four aces, five digs and one block in Friday’s straight-set sweep. His four aces tied a career high.

“I think he’s playing more as a setter now, looking at what’s available, finding the right matchup, feeding the hot hitter when we get a matchup we want and someone’s playing really well,” Wade said.

“When everybody hits for a high percentage, you got to credit the setter. Our three pins are literally No. 2-3-4 in the league and among the top of the nation. Tread gets a lot of credit for that.”

Tread Rosenthal celebrates after a point in the second set against BYU Friday Night. | Photo Credit: Daniel Fujita

The Rainbow Warriors (14-1) have earned 14 weekly conference awards this season.

Hawai’i continues its homestand with matches against Pepperdine University on March 4 and 6 at Stan Sheriff Center.