A tough start for the Hawaii women's basketball team could get a whole lot tougher this weekend.

The Rainbow Wahine (0-3) look to rebound from a disappointing showing in the Bank of Hawaii Invitational by coming out firing in a stacked Waikiki Beach Marriott Classic starting tomorrow.

Hawaii plays San Diego State (2-2) at 3:20 p.m. in its home opener at the Stan Sheriff Center following losses to Loyola Marymount, Toledo and Arizona at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo.

The challenge ramps swiftly upward from there as the Wahine match up with No. 19 Purdue (3-0) at 1:10 p.m. on Saturday and No. 5 Stanford (3-1) at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

“;It's a good learning experience for us; we're still young, and hopefully we'll get the benefit of playing against these good teams and get better,”; Hawaii coach Jim Bolla said.

Topping SDSU will be no easy task—one of the Aztecs' losses came against top-ranked Connecticut. SDSU made its first Mountain West tournament title game last year and returns all five starters from that team. Four Aztecs average double-figure scoring, led by junior guard Jene Morris (15 points per game).

Hawaii forward Dita Liepkalne, who leads the Wahine in rebounds (eight per game), realizes the importance of getting the tournament opener against the Aztecs.

“;I think very important to just boost up our confidence,”; said Liepkalne, who recorded a double-double against Toledo. “;Just show the other teams, Stanford and Purdue, that we actually can play and they can't take us easy.”;

Purdue is led by junior guard FahKara Malone with 13 points and 5.3 assists per game.

Stanford, last year's national runner-up to Candace Parker and the Tennessee Volunteers, opened up the season ranked No. 2 but lost at No. 19 Baylor. Despite that, five players average double-figure scoring for the well-rounded Cardinal. Jayne Appel averages a double-double and already has nine blocks on the year.

Hawaii plays four games in five days, with Utah Valley waiting for a Tuesday night contest. Bolla said he wouldn't hesitate to spread around minutes to reserves as he tries to keep his players fresh.

“;We need to get some quality time from our other players for the rest of our usual starters,”; he said.

So far, point guard Keisha Kanekoa, shooting guard Leilani Galdones, Liepkalne, and center Sarah Ilic have started each game. Megan Tinnin, the team's leading scorer at 10.7 points per game, shook off a foot injury to start the last two.

Senior Catherine Cho, the backup point guard, is ready to step in and contribute if called upon.

“;With top teams coming in you're excited 'cause you rarely get this opportunity and it's only gonna make you better,”; Cho said. “;Hopefully everybody on this team's mind-set is that we are gonna go out and beat 'em. No intimidation.”;

Hawaii's Breanna Arbuckle and Ebony Jones are questionable for tomorrow with injuries.