HONOLULU- The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team took the floor for the first time this season in a 73-49 exhibition win over Division II Hawai'i Pacific University in SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center Tuesday night.
 
The Sharks gave a strong performance in the first quarter, at one point having as much as a seven-point lead. However, the Rainbow Wahine, led by freshman guard Jovi Lefotu responded with a spectacular 25-2 run in a dominating six-minute stretch to end the first half of play that set the tone for the rest of the game. 
 
It was an impressive debut for Lefotu, who was near perfect in 17 minutes off the bench. She finished 7-of-8 from the field and hit all six free throw attempts for 20 points. Sophomore guard Daejah Phillips wasn't taking it easy either, scoring 13 points and shooting 5-of-12 from the floor. In her first game as a 'Bow, sophomore guard Lily Wahinekapu contributed six points, five rebounds, and a team-high three assists.
 
The 'Bows defense locked down the Sharks in the second quarter, holding them to just four points in the frame for a 19-point advantage for the home squad, leading to a 42-22 lead at the half.
 
The victory was a team effort with ten different 'Bows scoring, inflating a lead that ballooned to as much as 33 points late in the third.
 
The Rainbow Wahine will take the court again next Monday, November 7th, at 3:30 p.m. HT as they take on Oregon State in Corvallis, Ore.