A sore knee kept Shawna-Lei Kuehu from contributing a whole lot for the University of Hawaii women’s basketball team last weekend.

But after missing three games, Kuehu appreciated any time she could spend on the court, as did the Rainbow Wahine.

"I was just trying to help motivate the team any way possible," Kuehu said. "If I can get someone a breather real quick, anything I can do for the team."

With her bruised knee continuing to improve, the sophomore guard could play a more prominent role when UH opens the Waikiki Beach Marriott Rainbow Wahine Showdown on Friday.

"It’s great to have Shawna back because she gives us great experience," UH head coach Dana Takahara-Dias said. "She has great skills, so it’s nice to have her back into the rotation."

After working off some rust and getting back to game speed in two games last week, Kuehu could give the Wahine a boost entering a tournament featuring two teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25.

The Wahine (1-3) open the tournament against California (2-1) at 5 p.m. Friday in the middle game of a tripleheader at the Stan Sheriff Center. The UH men’s team follows with a game against Pacific at 7:30.

The Wahine then face No. 22 Virginia (4-0) at 2 p.m. Saturday, and No. 24 Texas (2-1) on Sunday at 5 p.m.

Kuehu, a member of the Western Athletic Conference’s all-freshman team last season when she averaged 9.4 points per game, hurt her knee falling at practice. She missed an exhibition against Brigham Young-Hawaii and UH’s first two regular-season games against Hawaii-Hilo and Portland.

The swelling subsided enough for her to make her first appearances of the season in losses to San Diego State and DePaul last week, posting four points and four rebounds.

"I’m eager to get back," said Kuehu, who also missed UH’s last four regular-season games last season. "I’m so tired of sitting out with injuries."

Although she’s still wearing a brace to protect her knee, Kuehu said she’s been able to practice at full speed this week.

Including last Sunday’s game against No. 18 DePaul, UH will face three ranked teams in a four-game span. Cal also received votes in the national polls.

"We feel we need to pit ourselves against the best to judge what we need to work on," said Takahara-Dias, whose staff has already secured commitments from current No. 1 Baylor and No. 3 Stanford for next season.

"I think it’s a great opportunity for us to learn and grow by playing great teams."

Friday’s matchup with Cal will be a reunion of sorts for Kuehu. While at Punahou, she was recruited by Cal associate coach Lindsay Gottlieb and initially committed to the Golden Bears. Gottlieb is in her first season as Cal’s head coach, taking over after Joanne Boyle left for Virginia.

Although Kuehu was intrigued by the prospect of playing in Berkeley during her days as a prep standout, she’s savoring the opportunity she has with the Wahine.

"This is where I belong," she said.