Ready or not, the Hawai'i volleyball team is entering a crucial stretch that will determine its postseason plans.

The Warriors have a 5-7 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation record with 10 regular-season matches remaining, starting with meetings against 2007 NCAA champion UC Irvine tomorrow night and Saturday night in the Stan Sheriff Center.

"We definitely need to win," middle blocker Matt "Dragon" Rawson said.

Only the top eight MPSF teams qualify for the postseason.

Several Warriors have been battling flu-like symptoms and head colds the past week. What's more, outside hitter Jim Clar was withheld from yesterday's practice because of a sore arm. Clar is expected to start tomorrow.

Rawson, who has regained a starting job, has played despite a torn labrum in his right (hitting) shoulder. He said he plays "mostly because of adrenaline."

Rawson said the injury will require surgery at the end of the season. Until then, Rawson has been placed on a "swing count" in practices. Although he is allowed to jump and raise his arms to block, "he doesn't get set," UH coach Mike Wilton said. "We'll set him in games."

Rawson said: "It's good, because it's going to save my shoulder. It's not as bad now. I like to swing."

UH setter Sean Carney has been playing with an injury to his left index finger. He said there is a sharp pain when that finger is bent backward.

"When it gets hit, it hurts," Carney said. "I'm trying to limit the amount of contact right now."

He said team trainer Tara Humphreys uses tape to wrap the finger in such a way that it cushion hits.

Carney said he has refused to hear a diagnosis.

"I don't want to know what it is," Carney said. "I want to play through it. I'm not really worrying about it. I'm going to push through. I'll wait until the end of the season, then I'll worry about it. For now, we have to worry about Irvine."

Last week, UH's second left-side attacker, Joshua Walker, struggled with his hitting and passing. Wilton said he is confident that Walker, who will have a diminished role as a passer, will be able to return to form as one of the Warriors' best hitters.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.