A tired and flu-stricken University of Hawai'i women's volleyball team took care of business last night at Fresno State.

Hawai'i clinched its 12th consecutive Western Athletic Conference regular-season title and earned the top seed at the WAC Tournament with its 30-26, 30-25, 30-23 victory over Fresno State.

Hawai'i (20-4 overall, 14-0) overcame a slow start against the Bulldogs (5-21, 3-11) and also battled a flu outbreak that swept through the team and knocked out head coach Dave Shoji, who missed the match and remained in Reno, Nev.

"In Reno, they're calling it the Norwalk virus," said Hawai'i associated head coach Mike Sealy, who added Shoji was feeling better late yesterday. "It's typical vomiting, nausea. You get over it quick. It's like the 24-hour flu, but it lingers."

Sealy and fellow associate head coach Kari Ambrozich coached the 'Bows, who improved to 42-0 all-time against the Bulldogs.

Hawai'i's Jamie Houston finished with a match-high 17 kills with 15 digs. Aneli Cubi-Otineru added 14 kills, 13 digs and hit .385.

Elizabeth Ka'aihue (16) and Tara Hittle (11) were two of four 'Bows with 11 or more digs. Hawai'i outdug the Bulldogs, 63-45, and outhit them, .237 to .131.

Sealy credited the 'Bows for staying focused on the five-day, two-match road trip despite illness and the coaching change.

"They're tough," Sealy said. "I can't imagine any other team that can do this. The fact that they all showed up and were able to put uniforms on, let alone compete, is amazing."

Hawai'i trailed midway in Games 1 and 2 before finding its offensive rhythm. Sealy said the 'Bows were slow early against "pesky" Fresno State, which outblocked the 'Bows, 15-8.

"Early on, we were out of system a little bit," Sealy said. "It's a split-second late, but when you multiply that by three people making a touch on the ball, that's three split-seconds late."

Houston tallied seven kills and Otineru six in Game 1 and helped the 'Bows erase a 14-10 hole. Hawai'i rallied to tie at 19, and scored the go-ahead point on a double block by Juliana Sanders and Stephanie Brandt.

Houston added six kills in Game 2. The 'Bows trailed 15-10, but clawed back to tie at 19. Houston then scored four consecutive kills to give Hawai'i control.

Hawai'i sprinted to a 22-12 lead in Game 3 and held off the Bulldogs, who closed to 24-20, for the victory.

Alisha McKee and Angela Wiggins led Fresno State with nine kills apiece.

Sealy said Shoji is scheduled to accompany the team on its return flight from San Francisco today.

Hawai'i has two WAC games remaining, both at home, against San Jose State, Thursday, and Utah State, Nov. 11. The WAC Tournament is Nov. 15 to 17 in Las Cruces, N.M.