This isn't the way the University of Hawai'i women's basketball team wanted to greet the new year.

Hawai'i limps into tonight's Western Athletic Conference opener with health concerns to three of its players and to coach Jim Bolla, who is expected to return after missing practice all week with the flu.

"I'll be there (tonight), so don't worry," said Bolla, who has never missed a practice until this week. "I don't have to play. I can sit. That's no problem."

The same can't be said for co-captains Brittany Grice (herniated disc) and Pam Tambini (sprained left ankle), and freshman reserve wing Megan Tinnin (illness).

Tambini, a senior wing, is probable for tonight's game against New Mexico State, while Grice, a senior center, and Tinnin are doubtful, Bolla said.

Hawai'i — which has lost two of its last three games — wants to rebound and get Bolla feeling better.

"Hopefully, we can do everything right in the game so coach doesn't have to expend that extra energy yelling at us," Tambini said.

Despite its heath concerns, Hawai'i (6-6) does have a big advantage this week as it hosts the Aggies (5-7) tonight and five-time defending WAC champion Louisiana Tech (5-8) on Saturday at the Stan Sheriff Center.

"At least we're at home," Bolla said. "If all this happened on the road, it might be a real big situation."

Hawai'i senior point guard Janevia Taylor said her team's health is a concern, but it won't be a road block.

"It's just up to us," said Taylor, who, along with junior forward Tanya Smith and Tambini, has started every game this season. "There are a lot of other players here, who are not sick and stuff, that can get the job done."

Tambini returned to full-contact practice yesterday after spraining her ankle late in Saturday's 78-64 loss to Oklahoma State in the Bank of Hawaii Invitational final.

"It's still pretty sore," said Tambini, who wore a big brace over her taped ankle. "I definitely want to play."

Grice, held out of full-contact practices this week, has been conditioning and rehabbing her injured back. She received a cortisone injection yesterday, and said her back was beginning to feel better.

"I don't expect our team to back down," Grice said.

Tinnin missed practice yesterday, and Bolla said she had flu-like symptoms.

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.