In volleyball's version of the Hokey Pokey — you put your outside hitter in, you put your outside hitter out — University of Hawai'i coach Mike Wilton is turning himself around trying to create a starting lineup.

Opposite attacker Lauri Hakala and middle blockers Dio Dante and Kyle Klinger yesterday skipped their second consecutive practice because of flu-like symptoms.

Setter Brian Beckwith, who did not practice Monday, resumed practicing yesterday.

Left-side hitter Jacob Schkud also resumed practicing after missing two workouts and an exhibition match because of illness.

Because the airline required a travel list 48 hours in advance, Schkud, who is projected as a starter, will not play in road matches against top-ranked UC Irvine Friday and Saturday. The Warriors leave this afternoon.

"We're locked in," Wilton said of the 13-player travel roster. "Because of that 48-hour deal, I had to make a call (Monday)."

Schkud said he probably lost 12 pounds in the past week.

"I just wasn't hungry," said Schkud, who also reported a temperature of 101.7 last week. "Even now, I'll eat little bites here and there."

Ernie Vidinha, Mark Ribeiro and Matt Vanzant are candidates to replace Schkud.

Vidinha, who is 6 feet 4, is slightly ahead because of his accuracy as a passer. His head coach at Kamehameha Schools was Pono Ma'a, a former UH player.

"Every day, all he would preach was 'passing, passing, passing,' " said Vidinha, a second-year freshman.

Vidinha, who can touch 10 feet 4, was a middle blocker through his junior year at Kamehameha before moving to outside hitter. As a middle, Vidinha said, "I didn't get subbed out too much in the back row. Even our middles had to pass in high school. I enjoy it."

Ribeiro said he has experienced no further problems with his sore left knee. In Friday's exhibition, Ribeiro reported discomfort after landing awkwardly.

He was treated with acupuncture and electrical stimulation.

"I put a knee brace on it for support," Ribeiro said. "It's probably a little bruise."

Hakala, who doubles as the floor captain, is expected to play against Irvine. Steven Grgas is Hakala's understudy.

With Dante and Klinger ailing, Matthew "Dragon" Rawson received most of the work in the middle yesterday. Keali'i Frank, who practiced, is redshirting this season.

The Warriors also could not rely on emergency help from assistant coach Jason Salmeri, a former UH middle blocker. Salmeri is recovering from a sprained right calf.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.