One very big question for the Hawaii soccer team was basically answered on Day 1 of fall practice.

How might the Rainbow Wahine go about replacing three-fourths of their experienced back line from last season? Quickly, was the apparent response.

Fourth-year UH coach Michele Nagamine wasted no time in attempting to plug that gaping hole. Sophomores Madison Reed and Ryan Daniel have the inside track to the outside defensive spots, while true freshman Paige Okazaki is poised to become the next Chelsea Miyake at center back, Nagamine said on Wednesday.

All in all, the first day of two-a-day practices was a productive one as the Wahine prepare for the Aug. 24 season opener vs. Arizona State in the Outrigger Resorts Shootout.

"You know, I thought it was a great first day," Nagamine said. "We’ve got some very athletic, very fast kids who just love to compete. So that’s just kind of raised the level of intensity, but it was still really fun. I talked to the team about not taking ourselves too seriously to early on. A lot of them take so much pride in what they do and they just don’t want to disappoint."

Said senior Krystal Pascua, a strong candidate for team captain: "(Coach) was hard on us but she didn’t want to be too hard on us. You know, we’re all getting used to playing with each other again. Cutting us a little slack, but I know it’s going to get way more intense as the days go on."

Pascua wasn’t referring to the impending severe storms headed toward the islands, but she may well have been. The team is prepared to miss some field time in the coming days, but Nagamine said they’d do what they could with indoor film sessions breaking down last season’s games.

Besides getting five freshmen in the fold coming off last season’s 8-8-1 (3-4-1 Big West) campaign, the Wahine are adjusting to their new locker room and office digs in the TC Ching Athletics Center.

Last year’s defensive seniors Miyake, Karli Look and Male Fresquez left behind a legacy of consistency that nearly got team to its first Big West tournament. The lone returning defensive starter, junior Lidia Battaglia, took a figurative step back Wednesday and marveled at the change around her.

"You know, these girls are really stepping up in a big way and they’re getting a chance to show what they can do," said Battaglia, an All-Big West honorable mention last season.

Battaglia was a freshman when she was brought in from high school in California. Now, she’s the one others look to for guidance, though Reed and Daniel had part-time experience off the bench last season. The 5-7 Okazaki, of El Dorado Hills, Calif., has a calm, collected presence that Nagamine hopes will mesh well with Battaglia’s natural aggression.

"You know, I’m not the one to yell at someone and get mad," Battaglia said. "I’m more happy go lucky, laughing at everything at practice. So it’s a change, trying to be a little more serious. But when it comes down to it, I think I’ll be able to crack the whip."

Sophomore goalkeeper Monk Berger, a Big West All-Freshman teamer last year, should be able to help in that regard.

The team’s other big question — exactly how it will make up for the offense from injured, redshirting Big West first-teamer Tiana Fujimoto — might be answered collectively in its 4-3-3 base formation.

Nagamine is high on freshmen forwards Sonest Furtado and Kiani Halushka, who led their respective schools and leagues (Waianae/OIA and Kamehameha/ILH) in scoring as high school seniors. Sophomores Kama Pascua (four goals, Big West honorable mention) and TJ Reyno (one goal, one assist) are the top returning offensive threats, while natural midfielders Storm Kenui and Krystal Pascua will be expected to step up at times.

Attrition

Midfielder Addison Carroll left the team in the offseason to focus on her major, graphic design, Nagamine said. Carroll missed all of her sophomore year of 2013 with an injury. The Redlands, Calif., native finished with one career goal and three assists.

"She’s thinking about us, and can’t wait to come back and see everybody," Nagamine said.

Also, last year’s third-string goalkeeper, Georgia Barnes, transferred off the team soon after the 2013 season. Barnes did not make any appearances in goal in two years at UH.

Sophomore forward Justine Olotoa went down with an apparent injury during Wednesday’s afternoon practice. Nagamine said she hoped it wasn’t serious.