University of Hawai'i coach Jim Bolla said yesterday he's not going to worry about his team's injuries as the Rainbow Wahine prepare for tomorrow's showdown with preseason Western Athletic Conference favorite Louisiana Tech.

Starting guard Amy Sanders, starting forward Brittany Grice and reserve guard Amy Kotani did not practice yesterday because of injuries.

"I learned this a long time ago, there's no point in being concerned," Bolla said. "Fortunately, when we've had situations this season when somebody didn't play, someone else stepped up and made a difference."

Kotani is nursing a sprained left ankle, and Grice rested her sore left knee yesterday. Sanders said she is "day to day" with a relapse of a stomach ailment that required a trip to the hospital last month. Grice is expected to return to practice today, but Kotani and Sanders are both listed as questionable for tomorrow's game, Bolla said.

Hawai'i (10-2 overall, 1-0 WAC) has matched its best start since the 2001-02 season when it went 23-8 and earned a berth to the Women's National Invitation Tournament. The Rainbow Wahine have won eight consecutive games and will get an early test with Louisiana Tech (10-3, 2-0) four-time defending regular-season WAC champion.

Hawai'i defeated visiting Louisiana Tech, 79-78, in overtime last season, earning its first-ever victory against the Lady Techsters in 15 games since 1980.

Bolla said he expects an exciting, high-scoring game tomorrow because both teams run up-tempo offenses. The Lady Techsters average 73.5 points per game; Hawai'i averages 69.8.

"I think it's going to be a track meet," Bolla said. "I think it could be real entertaining for the fans. There's not going to be a lot of half-court sets."

Grice expects a physical game and said Hawai'i must defend the talented Lady Techster guards, including reigning WAC Player of the Year Tasha (Crain) Williams, who scored 36 points in the overtime defeat last season.

"It's going to be a hard-fought game," Grice said. "They want to beat us, and we want to prove to everyone that we are a new team."

Sanders said she suffers from weakness and loss of appetite, but felt better after receiving intravenous fluids and a medical injection yesterday.

"I'm playing on Thursday, and planning on practicing (today) as long as everything goes well," she said.

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.