HONOLULU, Hawai'i – The Vulcans got on the scoreboard first with a layup on their opening possession, but it was all Rainbow Wahine from there as the Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball team opened its season with an exhibition on O'ahu against Division-I University of Hawai'i at Manoa, falling by a score of 67-39 Wednesday night at the SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Hawai'i Hilo kept UH Manoa out of the scoring column through the first 2:20 of play as the Rainbow Wahine started 0 of 4 from the field.

But from there, the back-to-back Big West Conference champs overpowered the Vulcans and kept them at 1-of-11 shooting for the rest of the opening quarter. Hawai'i Hilo finished shooting 27.5 percent from the field and 54.5 percent at the free throw line.

Although not official, Noelle Su'a-Godinet played in her first contest since March 2022, leading the Vulcans with nine points.

Starters for Hawai'i Hilo were Kamalu Kamakawiwoole, Kaile Cruz, Melanie Hiu, Keirstyn Agonias and Noelle Su'a-Godinet.

UP NEXT

Hawai'i Hilo will officially tip-off its season Nov. 10-11 back on O'ahu against No. 15 Montana State Billings and Alaska Anchorage, respectively, at HPU's The Shark Tank.

The Vulcans will have their home opener Saturday, Nov. 18 against Multnomah.

Season tickets and online video stream packages will be announced shortly.