UH's Ricketts, Li'ili'i, Coolen earn WAC softball awards

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

In this file photo from last month, Hawaii senior Stephanie Ricketts threw a no-hitter to lead UH to its first series sweep of Fresno State.

BRUCE ASATO / BASATO@STARADVERTISER.COM

In this April 2012 file photo, Hawaii batter Leisha Li'ili'i connects for a hit in the first inning for Hawaii in the Louisiana Tech vs Hawaii softball game.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

This file photo from February 2011, shows University of Hawaii softball coach Bob Coolen.

Eight University of Hawaii players were named to the All-Western Athletic Conference softball teams today with the Rainbow Wahine also claiming three of the major awards.

Senior Stephanie Ricketts was named WAC Pitcher of the Year for the third straight season. Leisha Li'ili'i won WAC Freshman of the Year honors and Bob Coolen was named Coach of the Year.

Brigham Young's Delaney Willard was named Player of the Year.

Ricketts was among five UH players named to the All-WAC first team. Joining her were senior first baseman Makani Duhaylonsod-Kaleimamahu, junior shortstop Jessica Iwata, senior third baseman Sarah Robinson and junior center fielder Kelly Majam.

Li'ili'i made the second team as a designated player along with senior left fielder Alex Aguirre and junior pitcher Kaia Parnaby.

Three Hawaii high school graduates made the second team, Brigham Young first baseman Katie Manuma (Campbell), New Mexico State second baseman Shaleese Javillo (Kamehameha) and New Mexico State third baseman  Briana Tovio-Asato (Kapolei).

The WAC tournament opens today in Las Cruces, N.M. Top-seeded UH (43-5) has a bye today and will play San Jose State or Nevada on Thursday.