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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, May 9, 2006

UH hurler Smethurst nabs WAC award

Advertiser Staff

These are hectic times for University of Hawai'i softball pitcher Justine Smethurst, who spent yesterday taking final examinations, packing for this week's road trip, stowing her dormitory belongings for the summer, and practicing.

Smethurst barely had enough time to learn she was named the Western Athletic Conference's Pitcher of the Week for the second time this season.

"I've been busy, and I was surprised (to earn the award)," she said.

On Friday, the freshman from Melbourne, Australia, pitched a perfect game in a 6-0 victory over Utah State. It was her second perfect game and UH's fourth this season.

In that game, Smethurst, who struck out six, threw 94 pitches, 65 for strikes. She had 3-2 counts on three batters. She received support from second baseman Alana Power's leaping grab, shortstop Valana Manuma's sprinting catch and Kaulana Gould's throwout from center.

"They made some spectacular plays," Smethurst said. "They were responsible for this (award)."

UH coach Bob Coolen said: "I'm glad to see her win it. This bodes well for her."

Smethurst and third baseman Clare Warwick will represent Australia at the World University Games in Taiwan this summer. Although five of eight Australians who played for UH left before completing their eligibility, Smethurst plans to earn a UH degree in elementary education. "That's my plan," she said.

The Rainbows' immediate plans are to complete a suspended game against Nevada. Tomorow's game will pick up in the top of the fifth inning, with UH trailing 2-1. The game will be played in Fresno, Calif., site of the WAC softball tournament. The six-team tournament, whose winner advances to the NCAA Regionals, begins Thursday.