HONOLULU— The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team notched its second consecutive victory with a 71-50 win over Eastern Illinois University on the first day of the Rainbow Wahine Showdown.
 
In her first-career start, the Rainbow Wahine (2-3) leaned on the production of freshman forward Nnenna Orji, picking up her first-career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Panthers (4-1) were handed their first loss of the season and will play Gonzaga on Saturday at noon.
 
UH started off hot in the first quarter as graduates McKenna Haire and Amy Atwell teamed up with sophomore Nae Nae Calhoun to drop six points apiece for a 20-8 lead. The lead built up to 19 at one point with 5:50 on the clock. EIU battled back, cutting the deficit to 31-24 with under a minute, but a layup at the buzzer by Calhoun extended the lead to nine for UH at the half.
 
The third frame swung back in the 'Bows' favor due to defense and production from Atwell. The reigning Big West Conference player of the week had 10 points in the quarter, while the defense held EIU to 4-of-13 from the floor, leading to a 54-35 advantage going into the final frame.
 
UH maintained their double-digit lead through the final quarter, using a younger lineup featuring four freshmen. Walk-on guard Mia Yamamoto made her season debut in the quarter playing three minutes.
 
Atwell led all scorers for the third straight game with 16 points while pulling down six rebounds. Joining her in double-digit scoring was Haire and junior transfer Maeve Donnelly, each with 10 points.
 
As a team, free throws and rebounds made a significant difference for the 'Bows. UH hit 15-of-20 from the charity stripe and outrebounded EIU by 10 in a 43-33 advantage.
 
The 'Bows will continue the Showdown on Saturday with a 2:30 p.m. matchup against Utah. The Utes dropped their opening game to Gonzaga, 89-71, marking their first loss of the season.