|
Maybe it's not written in indelible ink or neon magic marker, but it is written down in her "Goals for 2002" notebook. Penciled in, not in six-inch-high characters, but large enough that Sheri Oronoz can read it every day. Wahine’s Oronoz
knows pitchingShe may not think of herself as
an ace, but she's pitching like oneBy Cindy Luis
cluis@starbulletin.com"Twenty wins."
The junior pitcher for the Hawaii softball team is almost there. The right-hander is 17-8, having more than doubled the number of victories she recorded in an injury-plagued 8-8 freshman campaign.
"It's been my goal since we did self-evaluations at the beginning of the season," said Oronoz. "I still don't consider myself the ace of the team. I consider myself as hard-working. I work hard and do what I have to do so we can win."
She's battling the flu this week, but it's not going to stop her from what will likely be the most important start of this season. Oronoz will face No. 12 Fresno State (38-13, 9-1) in tomorrow's opener of the four-game series between the two Western Athletic Conference leaders.
"This is the season for us," said Wahine coach Bob Coolen. "This is everything we've worked up to for, the WAC title, an NCAA tournament spot and beating a team that has a great winning tradition.
"If you go 2-2 against a team like Fresno, especially at their place like we did last year, you've accomplished something. It's so difficult to win four games in back-to-back doubleheaders. How can we do it this week? We need to go out and play relaxed and believe we can win."
It's going to be up to Oronoz to get it started tomorrow. Freshman Shannon Tabion (3-2) is scheduled to pitch tomorrow's second game.
Coolen said he doesn't know what the rotation will be for Saturday's doubleheader. But he does know Oronoz and the Wahine (29-17, 10-2) will be successful if they continue to believe in one another.
"Every time Sheri toes the rubber, the team believes in her," said Coolen. "Her teammates are the ones who made her believe she could be a 20-game winner because they play for her. The only time she will get a loss is when she stops believing in her team.
"She came in as a thrower but has learned to be a pitcher. She's also learned to accept the pressure and be the guiding light for our three freshmen pitchers."
It was a very unexpected role for Oronoz. Last season, she made just five appearances on the mound, going 2-1.
She played 35 games in the outfield because Hawaii didn't need her on the mound. The Wahine had Desiree Duran (17-5) and Felicity Witt (22-10). But Duran completed her eligibility, and last October, Witt decided to leave for the Australian national team.
"When Felicity left, it put a lot of pressure on me," said Oronoz, who has a 1.78 ERA and is second in the WAC in wins. "But I know that everyone on our team is behind me. They all want to win, give 100 percent.
"This series is very important. It will help us win the WAC, which is one of our team goals. We can do it if we work together. I caught a little bug but I'll be mentally ready and I'll be able to push myself."
Assistant coach Dee Wisneski said mental toughness is Oronoz's strength.
"Sheri is a fighter," said the former Wahine shortstop and co-captain. "She doesn't want to lose. No matter what the score is, she doesn't give up. When she's in that zone, it's impressive."
Taking this weekend's series from the Bulldogs would be equally impressive. Fresno State holds a 38-5 lead in the series with Hawaii.
Adding to the importance of the contests is a little payback for the Wahine. Hawaii had more WAC wins last year (16-4) than Fresno State (13-3), but the Bulldogs were awarded the conference title based on percentage points, a rule that has since changed.
"I didn't think it was fair the way they won the WAC, but it's more of a rivalry than anything else," said Oronoz. "It's more about competition between the two top teams. We just want to win.
"I think it will be a pitchers' duel. Both teams have awesome hitters and great defense. We'll see what happens."
What: No. 12 Fresno State (38-13, 9-1) at Hawaii (29-17, 10-2). Wahine softball
When: Doubleheaders at 5 p.m. tomorrow and 2 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.
TV: Live, KFVE-TV (Channel 5) tomorrow. Saturday's telecast pending.
Radio: None.
Tickets: $3 adults, $2 senior citizens, $1 students.
UH Athletics