Posted on: Thursday, January 15, 2004

Coaches pick Rainbows to finish second in WAC

Advertiser Staff

The defending Western Athletic Conference champion University of Hawai'i softball team has been picked to finish second behind Fresno State in a preseason poll of conference coaches, the conference announced yesterday.

The Bulldogs, picked to win the title eight of the last nine seasons, received four first-place votes and two second-place votes for 34 points. The Rainbows, the preseason favorite in 2002, had three first-place and three second-place votes for 33 points.

They were followed by Tulsa (26 points), Nevada (18), Louisiana Tech and San Jose State (15 each), and newcomer Texas-El Paso (6).

Last year, the Rainbows won their first league title since winning the Big West in 1994.

Hawai'i catcher Denise Dahlberg, outfielder Tracie Uchima and utility April Crowell were selected for preseason all-WAC honors.

Fresno State shortstop Christina Clark and Bulldogs pitcher Jamie Southern were preseason picks for the top player and top pitcher.

Last year's Player of the Year, UH first baseman Stacey Porter, is taking the season off to play for her native Australian national team that will compete in the summer Olympics.

The Rainbows open the season Feb. 4 against Brigham Young in the Paradise Classic.