The University of Hawai'i softball team hosts Chaminade at 5 p.m. today in an exhibition that is serving as a dress rehearsal for this weekend's key Western Athletic Conference series against Fresno State.

FSU's Robin Mackin is expected to pitch in at least two of this weekend's three games. FSU and UH meet in a single game Friday and doubleheader Saturday.

To prepare for the hard-throwing Mackin, the Rainbow Wahine will "loan" pitcher Jessica Morton to Chaminade today. Mackin and Morton throw riseballs that average about 65 mph.

"We need to hit against that speed in game situations," UH coach Bob Coolen said, noting the Rainbows' last game was April 7. "We want to see the (pitch) placements, and a lot of different things. Hopefully, we'll be able to get the cobwebs off."

Coolen usually serves as the batting-practice pitcher. But he pitches from 35 feet — regulation distance is 43 feet between the mound and plate — and behind a screen, allowances that even the short-handed Silverswords probably would not allow.

In the ensuing intrasquad game, the Rainbows' ace, Justine Smethurst, will pitch against the UH starters. The Rainbows are playing the intrasquad game because they want to simulate the conditions for Friday evening's game.

"That's why I want to play well past 6 o'clock," Coolen said.

Coolen said the recent break has had mixed results. He said the hitters have had to regain their timing, which is why he scheduled Chaminade, but it also provided a suitable rehabilitation period.

Rightfielder Tanisha Milca has recovered from a quadriceps contusion. Shortstop Valana Manuma has healed from a concussion suffered April 6. Coolen said several players no longer are suffering from nagging injuries.

"We had a couple of kids who needed some serious time in the training room," Coolen said.

The health of Milca and Manuma is crucial for the FSU series. Milca returned to the lineup two weeks ago after missing two weeks because of a fracture in her left hand.

Richie-Ann Titcomb replaced Milca in right field and at the top of order. Titcomb, who is quicker than Milca, gave a spark at the leadoff position. But then she battled impatience with her pitch selection, and Milca regained her starting job. Milca provides top-of-the-order power. At Santa Clara, with the outfielders playing near the fences, Milca boomed a home run. At New Mexico State, she powered a homer into 35-mph gusts.

"Tanisha pressed at the beginning of the year," Coolen acknowledged. "She doesn't press anymore. She doesn't put too much pressure on herself. She's a good hitter, and she's developed power to go along with it. Her hits are guided missiles."

Manuma, who is a steady shortstop, has become a threat at the plate, too.

So, too, has catcher Katie Grimes. "She's getting a lot of confidence," Coolen said.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.