Rainbow Wahine volleyball officially grew quieter and much less humorous — at least on the court — yesterday when junior Tara Hittle announced she does not expect to play again this season.

Hittle, the 2004 Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year, was averaging 3 1/2 kills and digs and was Hawai'i's primary passer and ballhandler before missing last week's tournament because of her injury. She is the team's most vocal leader and biggest character.

Hittle said the ankle injury she suffered before last season led to complications that cause her too much pain to play.

"I could play through it, but it's just so painful to me," Hittle said. "The whole first tournament I was just in pain. I can't jump as high, can't move as fast. I'm not used to it. I feel like I'm not helping the team like that."

After the season opener, Hittle said she felt pain "out of nowhere." The feeling of a "bruise" grew into a bump after the second match and she had X-rays and an MRI.

That revealed a stress fracture in her right fibula and a hole in her ankle bone called osteonecrosis. It is caused when normal tissue breakdown does not rebuild and the bone loses its density.

The only way to heal is rest for an extended period.

Hittle plans to ask for an NCAA medical hardship waiver, which would allow her to play two more full seasons.

"If it's in her best interests then I'm all for it," UH coach Dave Shoji said. "I hate to see anybody not play to their potential and that's been the case with her."

Reach Ann Miller at amiller@honoluluadvertiser.com.