Honolulu— The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team came up short to Portland 72-65 in its first game of the Bank of Hawaii Classic at the Stan Sheriff Center on Friday afternoon. 

 

The Rainbow Wahine (0-4) have dropped their first four games of the season with each contest being decided by eight points or less. The Pilots (3-0) remain unbeaten with the victory and will play Arizona in the championship game of the classic on Sunday at noon. 

 

"It feels weird to say, but we are at a point where we can't focus on our record," said head coach Laura Beeman. "We have to focus on ourselves and our game. I still believe we are going to be fine and we'll get the taste of a win. But to do that, we have to continue to improve every element of our game."

 

Senior guard Leah Salanoa led the team with 19 points and 11 rebounds to post her first career double-double, as well as the first double-double of the season for the team. Junior forward Makenna Woodfolk added 11 points, while junior guard Julissa Tago chipped in 10 points of her own. 

 

Defensively, the Rainbow Wahine forced 15 turnovers including 11 steals. Senior guard Tia Kanoa led the effort with four steals, tying a career-high. The rebounding battle went to the 'Bows for the first time this season as they outworked the Pilots on the boards, 38-32

 

The Pilots countered, however, by getting to the free-throw line nearly twice as often as the Rainbow Wahine – going 22-for-33 from the line, compared to 12-of-17 by UH. 

 

The 'Bows will return to SSC on Sunday with a 2:30 p.m. HT matchup with Seattle. The game will be a part of a triple-header with the Rainbow Warriors basketball team in action against Northern Arizona at 5:00 p.m. The Rainbow Wahine will honor "Hometown Heroes" as first responders will have discounted tickets at 50 percent off, and the ticket will be good for all three games. 

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