Honolulu, O'ahu— The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team started the 2018-19 season in the right way with a 62-26 victory over UH-Hilo on Thursday night at the Stan Sheriff Center in exhibition action.
 
"It felt good to go out and play someone else for a change," said junior forward Makenna Woodfolk. "We felt good at times, but we have things to work on as we look ahead."
 
The Rainbow Wahine's final tune-up before the start of the season was highlighted by a strong defensive effort, holding the Vulcans to 8-of-45 shooting for 18 percent on the night. The defense applied pressure creating points for the offense and maintaining momentum throughout the evening. UH forced 24 turnovers, accounting for 20 points off those turnovers.
 
As for the offense, all nine of the players gracing the hardwood registered in the scoring column, as sophomore center Lauren Rewers led the way with 15 points and nine rebounds.
 
"I've been working on keeping the ball high and attacking the basket," said Rewers. "I felt good personally, but as a team, I felt even better because we were working on so many different things to get ready for our first game of the season."
 
Both junior Courtney Middap and freshman Lamarria Johnson registered valuable minutes at the point guard position. Middap logged 25 minutes of action, threading the needle for six assists and collecting six points off two, three-point buckets. Johnson accounted for 18 minutes and only committed one turnover.
 
UH will now look ahead to Tuesday, Nov. 6 with Pepperdine visiting the island of O'ahu for the first game of the year. The matchup with the Waves will mark the first time the 'Bows have had a home opener to begin a season under head coach Laura Beeman.