Dana Takahara-Dias’ reaction to her team’s placement in the Western Athletic Conference preseason polls was quick and to the point.

"I like where we’re at, because hopefully there’s just one way for us, and that’s up," the second-year head coach said.

The Rainbow Wahine were picked seventh in the coaches poll and eighth in the media poll, the nine-team league announced yesterday.

UH finished eighth last season with a 10-20 overall record, 4-12 in the WAC.

"I know the WAC comes back stronger on paper. Many teams are actually way stronger on paper, and I understand that," Takahara-Dias said. "But just from our standpoint, we come back unbelievably stronger than last year."

Takahara-Dias pointed to former starters Shawna Kuehu and Megan Tinnin coming back from redshirt years and her crop of four new players joining a group well-versed in her system.

The stars of last year’s team, guard Keisha Kanekoa and forward Breanna Arbuckle, also return.

Fresno State was picked in both polls to win the league, followed by Louisiana Tech.

FSU guard Jaleesa Ross was tabbed as the player of the year. The Wahine did not have any players on the preseason first or second teams.