UH softball team travels to Louisiana to face last-place Bulldogs

Advertiser Staff

In a series of worst against first, Hawai'i's softball Rainbows will play at newcomer Louisiana Tech.

The teams play doubleheaders today and tomorrow in Ruston, La.

The Rainbows (26-16, 7-1), who share the WAC lead with Fresno State, are making their first-ever appearance against the Bulldogs, who joined the conference this season. The Bulldogs are last in the conference at 2-7 (16-13 overall).

The series is crucial for the Rainbows, as they would like to leave Louisiana at least still tied for the conference lead.

The Rainbows have one of the top offenses in the WAC, leading in team batting at .280, slugging at .407 and doubles (54). They are second in runs at 166 and home runs with 25.

The bulk of UH's power is from Australians Stacey Porter and Kate Judd. First baseman Porter owns the school single-season record with 10 home runs and counting. Shortstop Judd has eight homers.

On the mound, Sheri Oronoz (15-8, 1.94) and Melissa Coogan (9-6, 1.88) get the bulk of the pitching work. They have combined for 28 complete games and five shutouts.

Louisiana Tech has the second-lowest scoring and batting average in the league. Only Portland State has scored fewer runs (61) than the Bulldogs' 99 (tied with San Jose State).

But the Bulldogs are third in ERA at 1.81, actually ahead of UH's 1.99, and second in fielding at .968, also ahead of UH's .966.

The Bulldogs' ace is Lindsey Meadows (9-6, 1.50), who has completed all of her 15 starts.

Offensively, Louisiana Tech is led by infielders Melissa Johnson (.279, 3 HRs, 13 RBIs) and Jennifer LaRussa (.207, 2 HRs, 15 RBI).