Beeman era tips off tonight for Wahine

A new attitude is on exhibition tonight at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Laura Beeman makes her coaching debut with the Hawaii women’s basketball team in a 7 p.m. contest against Hawaii-Hilo, albeit in a contest that doesn’t count officially.

UH will use this exhibition to make adjustments for the 2012-13 regular-season opener at San Francisco on Nov. 9.

"My philosophy is that I’d rather do a little very, very well than a lot poorly," Beeman said. "Yes, we have a lot more things to put in, but I think what we’ve put in is enough to win us the ballgame."

Expect a faster-paced offense than in recent seasons under former coach Dana Takahara-Dias and a majority of man-to-man defense.

UH last had a winning record in 2006-07.

"(Fans) are going to see a new team. It’s a new year, new players, new coach. New program," junior guard Kanisha Bello said. "They should be really excited to see how things have changed and how this is going to be our starting point for the future of this program."

Beeman’s starting five will remain secret until tipoff. Senior Monica DeAngelis, a transfer from Loyola Marymount, is the likely starter at point guard. Last year’s top scorer (13.2) and rebounder (10.6), junior forward Kamilah (Jackson) Martin, will likely miss the game after taking a blow to the head in a recent practice.

UH picked up former Wahine softball standout Stephanie Ricketts this week to bolster the frontcourt. The 6-foot Ricketts will play an undetermined amount at center.

"Because of injuries, we’re going to switch it up," Beeman said. "Also, some people have worked harder than I anticipated. The starting lineup tomorrow … may or may not change for San Francisco."

UH has three Big Island natives going up against coach David Kaneshiro’s D-II Vulcans: Vicky Tagalicod (Hilo High), Bello (Waiakea) and Pua Kailiawa (Ka‘u).

"We’re trying to showcase that it’s a new program," Kailiawa said. "We’ve changed. We don’t have that losing attitude. We want to come out and kick some butt, and just go at people and have a good time."