Hawai'i volleyball coach Mike Wilton did not realize that the 30th anniversary present is rotten luck.

"If you do something long enough," said Wilton, who is in his 30th season as a head coach, including the past 16 at UH, "you start experiencing everything. I don't think I've experienced quite a year like this in terms of injuries, illnesses and off-the-court situations."

The Warriors are expected to be without three starters when they play at Cal State Northridge tonight. The Mountain Pacific Sports Federation rematch is tomorrow night.

Outside hitter Joshua Walker is the latest to activate his medical plan. Walker, who is averaging 3.46 kills per game, did not practice yesterday because of a sprained right ankle suffered in Saturday's five-game victory over Southern California.

Walker played well in Games 4 and 5 despite the injury, but reported soreness Sunday morning.

The Warriors' leading attacker, left-side hitter Jim Clar, did not play in Saturday's match nor practice yesterday. He is suffering from an injured right (swinging) shoulder.

While Clar might be available, it is doubtful he can play an entire match.

"He'll be in reserve, and we'll see what he can do with his arm," Wilton said.

Middle blocker Matt "Dragon" Rawson also is not expected to play. Rawson, who has a torn labrum in his right (swinging) shoulder, could not last longer than two games on Saturday.

Yesterday, he reported to practice barely able to speak louder than a whisper because of flu-like symptoms. It is his second illness in as many weeks. The team has had three waves of illnesses in the past six weeks.

The setbacks have been a months-long theme. Three All-America players completed their eligibility last April. In December, left-side hitter Matt Vanzant, who was supposed to be the go-to attacker this season, left the team because of personal reasons.

In January, middle blocker Dusan Matic also left the team for personal reasons. While Vanzant is no longer in school, Matic is attending classes and receives a partial scholarship but chooses not to practice.

So where does that leave the Warriors?

"We'll take roll call, and go from there," Wilton said.

Keali'i Frank will start in place of Rawson.

Setter Sean Carney, who finished the USC match as an outside hitter, probably will replace Walker. Brennon Dyer, who started Saturday, is the top candidate to play in place of Clar.

"We still have enough (players)," Wilton said, "but our options are shrinking."

The Warriors are tied for seventh with a 7-9 MPSF record. They have six regular-season matches remaining. Only the top eight teams play in the MPSF's postseason.