Rainbows' Atuaia could play tonight

Advertiser Staff

It won't be the same April Atuaia who was Western Athletic Conference's Freshman of the Year last season and has led the Rainbow Wahine in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals in games this season.

But Atuaia, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee Jan. 26, is practicing with her University of Hawai'i teammates with few restrictions this week and could play in WAC games against Tulsa tonight and Rice Sunday.

Atuaia stayed back to rehabilitate while her teammates went 3-1 on their last road trip. They came home to find a much happier Atuaia.

"I'm not 100 percent, but I'd say 80 percent," Atuaia said yesterday. "It's much better than I expected."

She is playing with her left knee heavily taped and in a brace; a custom-made brace is on the way. Surgery is now tentatively planned for two weeks after the season ends. Last year, that wasn't until March 24 and the WNIT semifinals.

Atuaia is remarkably upbeat for someone who recently suffered what is nearly always a season-ending injury.

"For most others," Rainbow trainer Tara Humphreys said, "I would say, 'Don't be silly, have the surgery now.' But April is just so strong. I have no problems with her playing."