April 14, 2008

Honolulu, HI (UWIRE) -- The No. 20 University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine softball team returned to the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium Friday and Saturday as they hosted a three-game series against the San Jose State Spartans. Pitchers Kate Robinson, Courtney Baughman and Jessica Morton each earned a win in the series.

In Game 1, Robinson (13-3, 4-0 WAC) pitched a six-hit shutout game with no walks and struck out six Spartans batters in seven innings. The win marked Robinson's 11th complete game and sixth shutout of the season en route to the 'Bows 1-0 win.

Last week, Robinson was named one of 25 finalists for 2008 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year and is the first Rainbow Wahine in the program's history to be named a finalist for this national honor.

Junior Courtney Baughman (13-6, 2-0 WAC) pitched her 13th complete game of the year as she picked up the 3-1 over the Spartans in game 2. Baughman allowed one run on five hits, walking two Spartans batters while recording four strikeouts.

In Game 3, Robinson made her way back to the pitcher's mound and pitched for 2.1 innings before being relieved by senior relief pitcher Jessica Morton (5-2, 1-1 WAC). The 'Bows came back from a three-run deficit, which was the team's biggest comeback of the season, to clench the three-game series win 9-6.

Robinson gave up three runs on seven hits while recording a strike out. Morton pitched 4.2 innings, giving up three unearned runs on five hits, striking out three Spartan batters and recording no walks.

The win marked head coach Bob Coolen's 700th career victory, with his overall record of 700-471-1 and a 628-378-1 record at UH. Coolen was presented the award by Associate Director Carl Clapp after the completion of the game. The win in game 3 secured a top standing in the WAC for the 'Bows with a 7-1 conference record.

(C) 2008 Ka Leo O Hawaii via UWIRE