Atuaia rejoins Rainbow
Wahine after suspensionThe UH senior returns for
tomorrow's game against Boise
State after missing three games
A difficult basketball season for the Rainbow Wahine was made a little easier yesterday.
Boise St. at UH
When: Tomorrow, 7 p.m.
Where: Stan Sheriff Center
TV: Live, KFVE
Radio: Live, KKEA 1420-AM
Hawaii senior April Atuaia rejoined her teammates for the first time since being suspended two weeks ago for an infraction of team rules.
Her suspension lasted a week but Atuaia missed three Western Athletic Conference games in that span. Hawaii lost at home against San Jose State and road games at Louisiana Tech and Southern Methodist. The Rainbow Wahine (5-16, 3-9) have lost their last five games.
"It was hard but it's good to be back with them," said Atuaia, who listened to Hawaii's road games over the radio. "I have to take care of my responsibilities like coach said."
Hawaii coach Vince Goo would not discuss the nature of the infraction, citing privacy rules. There was some speculation that Atuaia's suspension might become permanent but Goo said Atuaia was back on the team.
"It's moving in a better direction," Goo said. "We're not done with our meetings. It's on-going."
Atuaia was welcomed back by teammates who had clearly missed her. The lone senior of the team has led Hawaii's scoring in five games and is second on the team in points (9.4 ppg) and rebounds (4.7). Atuaia had started 90 of 100 career games but recently her role has been as a reserve.
"It would have really helped (to have April last week). On the floor she's a quiet leader," said sophomore center Callie Spooner. "She leads by how she plays. It really would have helped to have her out there. It's just good to have her back now."
Atuaia joined her teammates in a spirited practice as they prepared for home contests against Boise State (7-15, 4-9) tomorrow and Texas-El Paso (13-9, 8-5) on Saturday.
Hawaii (5-16, 3-9) faces one of the less challenging portions of its Western Athletic Conference schedule this week. BSU and UTEP are a combined 12-14 in conference play. The Broncos have lost seven of their last eight games, including a double overtime heartbreaker to Fresno State last Saturday. Sophomore Jamie Hawkins leads the team in scoring (12.6 ppg) and rebounding (5.4 rpg).
Earlier this season, Hawaii beat the Broncos at Boise. But besides being a confidence booster, that victory may have little impact on tomorrow's game.
"These people, we faced so long ago, early in the conference season," Goo said. "Some things have changed. I'm sure they put some things in as we have.
"We know their personnel and not a lot has changed from that so that does help. They've got real good quickness and they run some good patterns but I thought we defended well last time."
Hawaii has gone through some lineup changes of its own. The Rainbow Wahine have had four different lineups in their last four games. Who Goo puts on the floor likely won't be determined until tomorrow.
Any hopes of extending the season probably died during the first half of conference play. But Hawaii hasn't let its recent slide or record bother it too much.
"They're not hanging their heads. They have a little more to look forward to than just the end of the season," Goo said. "All but one have much of their career left."
Notes: Both games start at 7 p.m. ...Military families with ID can receive free admission to tomorrow's game. Families include spouse and up to two additional dependents. Tickets must be picked up prior to game day. ...The first 500 fans will receive antenna balls from the Rainbowtique.
