BYU building around Lei, Russell
By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer
After successful seasons as freshmen for the Brigham Young University softball team, how were first baseman Ianeta Le'i and third baseman Ashlyn Russell rewarded?
BYU photo
How about swapping positions?
Iolani grad Ianeta Le'i batted .346 and hit seven home runs as a freshman last season.
"Neither one of them liked it at first, but now that they're used to it, they're doing a good job and have indicated that they love their new positions," BYU coach Gordon Eakin said. "They are going to be our anchors at the corners for the next three years."
Le'i, a 2002 graduate of Iolani from Mililani, was named to the All-West Region second team and the Mountain West Conference first team as a first baseman.
Russell, a 2002 graduate of Baldwin from Kihei, Maui, started 50 of 53 possible games at third.
Today, Le'i will be at third base and Russell at first when BYU meets host Hawai'i in the Hawai'i Paradise Classic at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium. Game time is 6 p.m.
The six-team tournament features two nationally ranked teams in the preseason poll — No. 23 Oregon State and No. 25 Tennessee. Also in the field are St. Mary's (Calif.) and Alabama-Birmingham.
Tendinitis and inflammation in Russell's knees led to the swap of positions, Eakin said.
"She has terrific hands, and she used to be a catcher, so can dig the ball out on first base," he said of Russell.
Eakin said he is excited about the upcoming season, especially with young talent like Le'i and Russell to solidify the lineup.
"This might be one of the most talented teams we've ever had," said Eakin, who started the BYU softball program five years ago. "Not only are you young, but you're very competitive. There is no fear with young kids playing at this level."
BYU photo
He said Le'i and Russell "bring a love and compassion off the field that is incredible, and on the field, they know how to compete. They are mentally tough; they aren't easily intimidated."
Baldwin alum Ashlyn Russell has swapped positions with Ianeta Le'i, moving from third base to first.
Russell amassed 41 hits, including six home runs, last season while Le'i batted .346, with 53 runs and seven home runs.
"She had a great year last year, so we're looking for her to pick up where she left off," Eakin said of Le'i. "She was effective in the beginning, but it took a while to adjust. Once she got some games under her belt, midway through the season she became unstoppable."
The Cougars arrived in Hawai'i late Thursday night, and were staying at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore. They moved to Waikiki yesterday.
They scrimmaged the BYU-Hawai'i softball team, and were happy to be back on dirt and grass fields for the first time since November. BYU's practice facility is indoors, with a FieldTurf surface.
"It was different at first, but you get used to it," Russell said of the indoor facility. "At first it was weird, because (being from Hawai'i) you're used to being outdoors at all times. You are kind of like, 'Let me out already.' "
Eakin said playing in Hawai'i has additional benefits, other than being able to play on natural surfaces in paradise.
"One of the main reasons we came is because we want to showcase ourselves here so that local players know that we are looking hard for our future here," Eakin said.
He has already signed Kamehameha Schools senior Emi Snow for the 2004-05 season.
Russell and Le'i, who were home for the winter break, had to return to Provo in early January for the start of the softball season.
"All I thought about was that I was going home again in three weeks," Le'i said. "I was bragging to all the Hawai'i people in Provo."
Le'i, who was a three-time Advertiser All-State first-team selection and the 2000 State Position Player of the Year as a sophomore, and Russell, who was a two-time Advertiser All-State first-team selection, are both excited about playing in front of family and friends, most of whom haven't seen them play in a while.
"You grew up and the same people come to support you, and it's great to play in front of the family again," said Russell, whose father, mother, uncles and aunties will be here to watch her.
Le'i said she was nervous to begin the season in Hawai'i.
"I wish we opened somewhere else so I don't make 'A' in front of my family," she said.
Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2457.
