Porter power boosts Rainbow Wahine
By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer
About a third of the way into the season, University of Hawai'i first baseman Stacey Porter already is halfway to breaking the school's single-season home run record of nine.
The native of New South Wales, Australia leads the team in nearly every offensive category, including five home runs.
"It's in the back of my mind, but I don't think about it when I go up to bat," Porter said of the record. "I just want to do good for the team."
She hit six home runs as a freshman last year. Her 11 home runs tie her for second all-time on the school's list with Melissa McGie and Cheyene Thompson. Dana Degen (1997-00) has the record with 29.
The scary part is Porter might have had a higher home run total last year. She joined the team late because of a commitment with the Australia national team, missing fall and spring workouts. Plus, she had to adjust to facing pitching from a different distance. In Australia, the pitching rubber is 43 feet from the plate; in college it's 40 feet.
"When she came here, she knew nothing about collegiate softball," UH coach Bob Coolen said. "(The pitching distance) mystified her. Before she got going, we were halfway through our season. Basically, she understood it halfway through the season. This year, she understood it (from the start), being here all fall. (Her strong start is) just a great prelude to the season."
Added Porter: "The fall (workouts) helped me out and maybe I'm more focused this year because I'm a year older."
Coolen isn't surprised by Porter's power surge, but thought it would show up as soon as she suited up.
"I expected it right away, not even taking into account the (pitching distance) difference," Coolen said. "But with a year and half under her belt, she's in midseason stroke."
After watching Porter, Coolen understands why freshman Stacey Ritter, also from Australia, is struggling at the plate. Ritter has the same power potential as Porter, Coolen said.
Porter hopes to eventually make her country's Olympic team. She's on Australia's developmental squad, which is a training ground for potential Olympians. Coolen feels Porter has a good chance to make the 2008 team.
Meanwhile, Porter is enjoying college life. She said there is no collegiate softball in Australia. Coming here allowed her to get an education and keep playing.
"It's a lot easier coming over here," she said. "And it's fun, too. The girls are really nice and made it easier for us (Australian players)."
Other Australians on the team are shortstop Kate Judd and pitcher Paula Blanning.
The Rainbows (9-6) hit the road tomorrow for a six-game road trip to Arizona. They play a single game at No. 8 Arizona State (9-2) in Tempe.
After Thursday off, Hawai'i will travel to Tucson for the Arizona Hillenbrand Tournament. The Rainbows open against top-ranked and host Arizona (12-2) and Evansville (6-5) Friday. They then will play Southern Mississippi (4-2) and Long Beach State (14-4) Saturday before closing out against Eastern Michigan (0-0) Sunday.
Hawai'i has lost four games to Long Beach State this season.
