FORT COLLINS, Colo.—As announced on Monday afternoon, the University of Hawai'i women's basketball team will participate in the WNIT as an automatic qualifier due to the second place finish in the Big West Conference standings.

 

The Rainbow Wahine (15-16) are set to travel to Saint Mary's (20-11) for the opening round of the tournament as the winner will continue on to faceoff with Cal Baptist or Pepperdine in the second round of 32. The matchup is a rematch from when the two squads battled into overtime in 2015 when the Gaels prevailed 92-88 in the opening round of the WNIT.

 

"We're going to have our hands full with Saint Mary's," said head coach Laura Beeman. "I've known their head coach Paul Thomas since I was coaching at Mt. San Antonio and his teams are always tough and can shoot the three well. We know it's going to be a tough test, but I'm confident in my team and what we can do."

 

UH was announced as the only participant from the Big West and this year's appearance will mark the program's 10th time in the postseason tournament, the last being in 2015. As Beeman, this is the fourth time in her tenure at UH she has led the 'Bows to the WNIT. 

 

As a program, UH has had success in the WNIT, making the tournament finals in 1992, and the tournament semifinals in 2001. The last five appearances have led to the 'Bows being eliminated in the opening round. 

 

UH, and Saint Mary's are set to tip for Friday, Mar. 22, a time has yet to be set and will be announced later in the week. 
 

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