The University of Hawai'i has reached what is characterized as the "semifinal" phase of the process to choose a new women's basketball head coach.

Of the 85 initial applicants, the search is believed to have been whittled down to a dozen or less with the goal of selecting a candidate by the end of the month.

Associate athletic director Marilyn Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano, who chairs the search committee, declined to say how many candidates remain under consideration. "We're still in the interview stage," she said.

UH has been conducting phone interviews with candidates and is expected to shortly cut the field to finalists who could be interviewed in person.

Jim Bolla, who held the position for five seasons, was terminated April 6 for what the school said was with cause. Bolla subsequently filed a suit alleging wrongful termination and is seeking reinstatement.

The job was posted April 4 with the application deadline April 24.

The national letter of intent signing period began April 15 and concludes May 20, although prospective recruits may still sign non-binding financial aid agreements after that.