Wahine greet
four new players

By Al Chase
Star-Bulletin

Vince Goo welcomed two new scholarship players and his returning players back to campus during a short meeting Tuesday.

The University of Hawaii head women's basketball coach also greeted two invited walk-ons.

Aina Kohler, a 6-foot-1 power forward from Lahainaluna High School, and Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe, a 5-9 point or shooting guard from New Zealand, are the scholarship players.

The walk-ons are 5-9 wing players, Karyn Fitisemanu from Iolani School and Kim Taylor from Kalaheo High School.

Kohler and Taylor were Star-Bulletin All-State selections, while Fitisemanu was a second-team All-State choice.

McMeeken-Ruscoe, who was brought to Goo's attention by former Wahine Tania Brunton, played for the New Zealand national team that toured Europe this past summer.

The SAT was no problem for McMeeken-Ruscoe, who came within 10 points of matching the all-time high for a Wahine recruit established by senior point-guard BJ Itoman.

She now awaits approval from the NCAA Clearing House. This may involve applying for a waiver from the NCAA since the curriculum in New Zealand is so different from this country.

The Wahine start practice Oct. 17. They open the 1998-99 season against Minnesota Nov. 20 in the four-team Hawaiian Regent Wahine Classic.