HONOLULU—The University of Hawai'i softball team opens its fall schedule this week with a doubleheader against Christian Brothers on Tuesday, October 19 at 6:00 pm. The games will be played at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium. Admission is free.
Last season, the Rainbow Wahine posted a 50-16 record and finished 2010 ranked seventh in both national polls after advancing to the program's first Women's College World Series. Hawai'i returns 16 letterwinners and five starters from last year's squad that shattered the NCAA home run record with 158 and led the nation scoring 7.39 runs per game. Leading the 2011 'Bows are All-Americans
Melissa Gonzalez (.394, 25 HR, 60 RBI) and
Kelly Majam (.400, 81 runs, 30 HR, 60 RBI) with All-West Region players,
Jessica Iwata (.367, 65 runs, 21 doubles, 58 RBI),
Stephanie Ricketts (30-10, 2.59 ERA, 29 complete games), and
Jenna Rodriguez (.377, 17 HR, 58 RBI). It will be the first time for eight new Rainbow Wahine to don the green and white.
The Buccaneers from Memphis, Tenn. went 17-30 last season and 6-20 in the Gulf South Conference (Division II) in head coach Kimmi Hayden's first year. The Christian Brothers' team returns three of its top four hitters from 2010—Kathleen Nelson, Casey King, and Kaylea Brewer. Nelson led the Bucs in runs scored (29), hits (50) and average (.340). King led Christian Brothers with 11 doubles and 24 RBI and recorded a .333 average (47-for-141). Brewer, who is also the teams top returning pitcher—hit .328 (31-for-99) and in the circle, she tallied a 6-12 record with a 3.19 ERA in 125.0 innings pitched while holding opponents to a .248 average. Michelle McEachron also returns for the Buccaneers. She logged a team-high 134.0 innings and posted a 9-8 record with a 3.24 ERA.
FALL GAMES 1 & 2
What: Hawai'i vs. Christian Brothers
When: Tuesday, Oct. 19 (6 p.m.)
Where: Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium - ADMISSION IS FREE
Series History: First meeting
