It’s so far been a season of callbacks to 2007 for Hawaii soccer, which today has another reason to compare notes with its only NCAA tournament team to date.

The Rainbow Wahine (5-0-1) open a three-game road trip at Colorado, the same place the program’s most celebrated season came to an end.

UH is off to its best start since that ’07 squad — led by the likes of Ambree Ako, Taryn Fukuroku, Jessica Domingo and Kori Lu — entered uncharted territory by winning the WAC tournament and making the NCAAs.

What’s been especially remarkable about this year’s group is their about-face from a 3-14-1 season — with largely the same core seeking its first Big West tournament appearance.

“This year’s been different. We work on and off the field as a team,” senior defender T.J. Reyno said.

UH coach Michele Nagamine has the unusual problem of managing sudden success. With a win or a draw against the Buffaloes, her team can become the first in the program’s 23 years to remain unbeaten through seven games.

“We know where we’ve come from and we know how quickly we can be right back there,” Nagamine said. “So I think it’s a matter of not taking anything for granted. We’re going to enjoy the wins and work hard to make sure we prepare ourselves, but we’re not going to let that go to our head.”

UH’s active streaks in wins (five) and shutouts (three) are also tops since 2007, and will certainly be put to the test in the altitude of the Centennial State over the next six days. All of UH’s success to this point has come in the comfort of its home stadium.

The Wahine will swing through Boulder (Colorado Buffaloes, Pac-12), Denver (Denver Pioneers, Summit League) and Colorado Springs (Air Force Falcons, Mountain West) in rapid succession. They got situated Wednesday in Boulder, where Nagamine said it was “hot and sunny.”

UH isn’t too concerned about the altitude; it passed its first in-season fitness test last week, when it shut out Idaho and Saint Mary’s on consecutive days.

“We’ve told the kids, the good thing is you’re fit,” Nagamine said. “So when you’re fit at sea level, you’re fit at altitude. If you’re NOT fit at sea level, you’re going to really struggle at altitude.”

UH is 1-3 all-time in the state of Colorado, with the only win in 1996 as the Wahine went to Boulder and beat the Buffaloes 3-2 to cap the season. Colorado returned the favor as a regional host in the 2007 NCAAs, winning 2-0.

The Buffs (3-3) should provide a stiff test on this trip’s first leg. Their three losses were each by a goal to power conference foes Kansas, Missouri and Michigan State.

“We know they’re going to be a physical team and we know their key players,” said co-captain Storm Kenui.

“I’m definitely cherishing (our start). Since it’s my last year, it’s just embracing everything.”

There have been two main strengths for the Wahine so far: their defense and their cohesion.

They’ve yet to give up more than a goal with their retooled back line, which features former upfield players Kenui and Reyno close to full-time. Goalkeeper Monk Berger is rejuvenated and was awarded the Big West’s defensive player of the week honor on Monday.

“We’re hoping to come home with three W’s, three shutouts, just like any team on a road trip,” Berger said.

UH’s game at Colorado will be live streamed for free at cubuffs.com.