The stage is set for an epic showdown at Pauley Pavilion. After a thrilling semifinal that saw over 9,400 fans pack the stands, the University of Hawaii men's volleyball team is one win away from a national championship. But all eyes will be on their star setter, Tread Rosenthal, whose resilience has become the talk of the tournament.
During Saturday's victory over Long Beach State, the arena fell silent in the third set when Rosenthal suddenly hit the floor. It happened on a missed serve—no contact, no foul play—just an unexpected collapse that had everyone holding their breath. The Hawaii trainer rushed to his side, but after a brief moment, Rosenthal stayed in the game, showing the grit that defines champions.
And what a performance it was. Rosenthal didn't miss a single point, finishing with 36 assists, five digs, five blocks, two aces, and two kills. Even while limping noticeably through the final two sets, he delivered a jaw-dropping, two-handed over-the-head bump set to Kristian Titriyski on match point, threading the needle past courtside tables to set up the winning kill. It was the kind of play that leaves fans shaking their heads in disbelief.
On Sunday, Rosenthal was held out of practice, doing only light stretching on the sidelines. But Hawaii coach Charlie Wade gave an encouraging update during the NCAA press conference: "He's moving around pretty good. He's a tough guy and a serious competitor, so I think he will be ready to go."
That toughness is nothing new for Rosenthal. In three seasons as Hawaii's starting setter, he's missed only one start due to injury or illness—a loss to UC San Diego earlier this season when he was sick during pregame warm-ups. He still came off the bench in the third set to try to rally the team. The other three matches he missed? Those were strategic decisions to give bench players court time.
A three-time All-Big West first-team selection and finalist for the AVCA National Player of the Year award, Rosenthal has been the heartbeat of this Hawaii squad. He's averaging 10.45 assists and 1.48 digs per set in his career, already ranking fifth on UH's all-time list with 3,455 assists. And with another year of eligibility, he's just five aces away from tying Jakob Thelle's career record—currently sitting at 117 aces, fifth all-time.
Tonight, Hawaii faces UC Irvine for the national championship at 1 p.m. on ESPN2. With Rosenthal expected in the lineup, the 'Bows have their floor general ready to lead them into battle. For fans of the game—and anyone who loves a story of heart and hustle—this is a moment you won't want to miss. Whether you're cheering from the stands or sporting your favorite volleyball gear at home, it's a reminder that greatness comes from players who refuse to stay down.