Rainbow Wahine have holes to fill in their infield

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Maybe by the time the Western Athletic Conference season rolls around, the defending conference champions will have a set lineup.

The Rainbows open their season tonight against Brigham Young in the Hawai'i Paradise Classic at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium. Game time is 6 p.m.

Hawai'i will have to compensate for the loss of 26 home runs and 88 RBIs following the departure of first baseman Stacey Porter to the Australian Olympic team, and third baseman Trisha Ramos and shortstop Kate Judd to the end of their eligibility.

"It's a necessity for this year because I'm not really sure what the lineup is going to be," UH coach Bob Coolen said. "I've been going with different lineups, different pitching-catching combinations, whose been pitching well to what catcher."

The Rainbows lost three-fourths of their infield and even the sole returnee is playing a different position.

Sophomore Ashley Ruff (.119 batting average, 38 games), who filled in at second base when Noelle Izumi (.260) missed about a month after getting hit in the mouth on a pick-off play, will move to shortstop. Izumi is back at second.

"Ashley came in and did a really good job," Izumi said. "It's a pretty new infield, but we've been working a lot on it. I feel that we'll be fine and we'll do all right."

Meanwhile, junior Stacey Ritter (.125, 10 games) has the task of replacing Porter, who hit .479 with 17 home runs and 42 RBIs.

"Having lost (Porter), I think there is a little pressure there," Ritter said of her fellow Australian. " I hate to admit it, but I do have some big shoes to fill."

Redshirt freshman Alana Power, who played shortstop at Kealakehe High, will get a chance at third base.

"I'm excited for the season and really looking forward to supporting my team at another level," Power said.

Vying for time at third will be senior Kea Yamaguchi (.200, four games), who also could play catcher when Denise Dahlberg (.223, 18 RBIs) plays the outfield.

Freshman first baseman Tyleen Tausaga also has been a pleasant surprise, according to Coolen.

"Kea Yamaguchi has stepped it up to where she should be starting now, catching some of our pitchers," he said. "Tyleen Tausaga has found the right bat and hitting the ball."

Yamaguchi said she will play any position to help the team.

"Softball is a passion for me," she said. "Getting to play is really exciting because I've been waiting for a long time."

The catcher's spot is solid with two-time All-WAC selection Dahlberg and Yamaguchi likely sharing duties. Coolen said by allowing Dahlberg to play the outfield on occasion, that should keep her fresh throughout the season. He said her batting average dropped toward the end of the season.

April Crowell's big bat (.290, 11 home runs, 36 RBIs) is back. She'll play at third or be the designated player.

The outfield is intact with Marie Jackson (.248) in center, Justina Kahaku (.221) in left and Tracie Uchima (.288) in right.

Also intact is the pitching staff, led by junior right-hander Melissa Coogan (32-11, 1.42 ERA). She will start tonight's opener, Coolen said.

Freshman right-hander Jessica Morton is scheduled to start tomorrow against Alabama-Birmingham, while Coogan will come back Friday against Oregon State.

Coolen said he does not know who will pitch beyond that. The Rainbows play two on Saturday (against Tennessee and St. Mary's) before Sunday's semifinals/championship.

Other returning starting pitchers are Shannon Tabion (6-8, 2.46) and Paula Blanning (2-1, 2.10). Both are right-handed.

Coolen added that none of the pitchers has thrown seven innings in workouts or scrimmages.

Although UH is the defending WAC champion, it was picked to finish second in the voting of conference coaches. But the Rainbows still like their chances.

"We're a very versatile team," Yamaguchi said. "I think we're so awesome because there are people who can play everywhere. Even the pitchers, during practice, they play the outfield."

Note: Former UH catcher Dana Degen has been working out with the team. She is playing professionally for the Akron Aces of the National Pro Fastpitch league, which has hooked up with Major League Baseball.

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.