JAMM AQUINO / FEB. 11
Hawaii head coach Laura Beeman talks to guard Briana Harris (4) at the Stan Sheriff Center. Today is the preseason exhibition against sister school Hawaii Hilo, and Beeman wants her team to start identifying who they are.
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A Rainbow Wahine basketball team with plenty of carryover from last season is nevertheless searching for an identity going into today’s 5:30 p.m. preseason exhibition against sister school Hawaii Hilo.
“I want to see them start identifying who they are,” sixth-year coach Laura Beeman said. “Right now we don’t have an identity. We’ve got to figure out what kind of team we’re going to be, what kind of teammates we’re going to be to each other. That’s the thing I want to see, the identity. Because I can’t name it right now and I don’t think they can either.”
UH returns all five starters from last year’s 12-18 squad (7-9 Big West), including BWC first-teamer Sarah Toeaina. Division I transfers Tia Kanoa and Rachel Odumu add additional backcourt depth this year, while 6-4 freshman center Lauren Rewers brings significant size.
Wahine center Taylor Donohue, forward Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard and guard Courtney Middap are out with injuries.
Sophomore forward Keleah-Aiko Koloi, a backup forward last season, has not been at practices because of a personal issue and will not return to the team. Beeman declined comment on her.
The Wahine open the regular season Nov. 10 at Portland.