Wahine's Atuaia honored by WAC

By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i's April Atuaia averaged 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds last week. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

April Atuaia never gave in to the curse and, despite a shaky start this season, regained confidence in her game.

After averaging 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds for the University of Hawai'i in two games during last weekend's Tesoro Invitational, Atuaia earned Western Athletic Conference women's basketball Player of the Week honors yesterday.

It is the first time the sophomore guard from La'ie has earned the weekly honor.

Against No. 9 Baylor, Atuaia scored a career-high 23 points, with nine rebounds. In Hawai'i's win over Illinois-Chicago Sunday night, she recorded 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists.

"My main goal is to be consistent," Atuaia said. "I started off slowly, I don't know why. Maybe because I was too concerned about scoring, doing too much for the team. I think I just needed to relax and realize we have a lot of threats on our team."

Wahine coach Vince Goo said: "April has been struggling in the first several games of the season. I think she's a very good example of an athlete who stays mentally tough, and that's what she's done. And she came through over the weekend."