Allie Rowe and Tara Chappell came to Hawai'i from California four years ago because they "saw a lot of potential" in the Rainbow Wahine golf program.

What they and 2002 Iolani graduate Kari Sur found first was potential for problems. What they leave, along with Roslyn Folk, who transferred from Albertson College of Idaho two years ago, is a kinder, gentler golf program.

UH is not a whole lot more successful on the scoreboard — the 'Bows' last two tournaments were their first Top 10 finishes — but it is definitely in a better emotional state.

"Honest to God, the team chemistry held us together," Rowe said. "We had major issues. Without each other, I think all of us would have taken off."

Coach Ashley Adleta arrived mid-season in 2004, and decided to stay after the six months she initially promised UH.

"I still have the notes they would put on the board in my office ... 'Please Stay' and 'Don't Leave,' and 'Three More Years,'" Adleta recalled. "They were all so young when I came in. They were the reason I stayed. I couldn't leave them.

"They are the heart and soul of this team. They may not be the best players, but they are the foundation. They stuck it out through thick and thin. They knew they wanted to be here."

The seniors could not leave one another, or Sur's family, who took them all in. "I couldn't ask for better teammates," Folk said, "or for better friends."

Going into their final Donnis Thompson Invitational this week, the seniors' golf is overshadowed by younger teammates. Particularly junior Dale Gammie, who keeps flirting with a tournament title. She, Lisa Kajihara and Xyra Suyetsugu are the only Rainbow Wahine with stroke averages below 80.

But these seniors are a bright, analytical bunch. All expect to graduate this year, in psychology (Chappell and Folk), political science (Rowe) and travel industry management (Sur). Rowe is one of two 'Bows (with football's Ian Sample) on the WAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Golf is not in their future, aside from fun and maybe that tempting U.S. Women's Open qualifier in May. They won't miss the 14-hour days that begin with a 5 a.m. wake-up call for conditioning and end in the dark when the UH van drops them off after 18 holes.

They will miss this team, which might come as a surprise after the turbulence of the transitions their early years. Chappell characterizes the team's rebirth during her second season as the best time of her career.

"We became very tight as a team," said Chappell, UH's MVP as a freshman. "We had all been through some major changes — hadn't even had a coach for one tournament. It was hard on all of us, but the way we all got together and supported each other and played our best golf ... that was the best time."

Folk came after the transition, and was simply grateful for teammates after basically playing solo in Idaho. Sur calls her best memory the surprisingly warm friendships generated by adversity.

"Look how far we've come," she said. "I never thought I'd be playing with these players. I've heard other girls talking about how they can't stand to be with their teammates. I could never imagine that. We are all friends, always together. It's good how it worked out like that."

Rowe's finest moment came when she realized Adleta sincerely believed in the team, and stuck around to prove it. Adleta is assisted by Julie Brooks, who is getting paid for the first time this semester after serving as a volunteer.

This week the Rainbow Wahine have their best shot at going out with a bang. All their best collegiate finishes have come at the Donnis Thompson Invitational. Sur was 11th last year, her best by far.

Adleta's goal is a top-five team finish this week and top three at next month's WAC Championship in San Jose. Then, she'll have to say goodbye to the group that came here inspired by the Rainbow Wahine's potential, and will leave with something much different — and without regret.

Reach Ann Miller at amiller@honoluluadvertiser.com.