Posted on: Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Rainbow Wahine hoping for strength in numbers this season
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| Janevia Taylor, right, is expected to be one of Hawai'i's strengths. Emily Helmly looks on at the Rainbows' media day yesterday.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser |
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By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer
With 17 healthy players, first-year Rainbow Wahine coach Jim Bolla said playing time will be at a premium for this year's team.
"We've got a lot of people and a lot of depth," said Bolla, whose 17-player roster ties a school record set by the 1982-83 team. "They get along real well right now. The big test is when we start playing games and people don't get to play. I want to play the best people."
Hawai'i opens its season Friday against Santa Clara (0-1) in the three-day, eight-team Hawaiian Airlines Rainbow Wahine Classic. The tournament features No. 3 Georgia and No. 13 Michigan State.
Hawai'i swing player Jade Abele joked Hawai'i's roster can be overwhelming at times, particularly at last week's alumnae game.
"We get subbed out and we're trying to find a seat on the bench," said Abele, a senior. "Another thing, when you come into a timeout, you've got like 80,000 people trying to give you a high five."
Hawai'i sophomore Brittany Grice said winning games is more important than getting playing time. Last season, the 6-4 center averaged 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per game.
"Personally, I'd rather see us get 20 Ws than play 20 minutes," Grice said. "I really feel that's the mindset of our entire team."
For players who didn't get to play much last year, such as swing player Dalia Solia, playing time — or PT as it's commonly called — is very important.
"I'm concerned about playing time," said Solia, a sophomore. "But if I'm not in the game, I will cheer for my teammates. I will support them. PT is big for me this year. I want it bad."
Junior guard Trisha Nishimoto said practices are very spirited because players are trying to earn playing time.
"He's not willing to waste time and he's not willing to put in people who are not giving 110 percent," Nishimoto said. "I feel that I try hard. I try my best. I'm not worried about playing time."
Earlier this season, Bolla promised open competition for starting roster spots. Bolla, who replaced the retired Vince Goo, said he won't set a starting lineup until tomorrow's practice.
Notes: Sophomore guard Pam Tambini has a stress fracture of the right foot and is out indefinitely. Redshirt freshman guard Shannon Nishi is competing in a Mainland karate tournament and won't be available for this week's tournament. Nishi is a national karate champion.
Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2458.
