The University of Hawai'i softball team yesterday earned double rewards.

Following a 7-1 road trip, the Rainbow Wahine (12-2) were picked No. 24 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top-25 Poll.

It is their first national ranking since 2003, and their first appearance in this 5-year-old poll, which is selected by the national sports media.

"That's very nice," pitcher/first baseman Kate Robinson said. "It's exciting."

What's more, Robinson, a junior from Honolulu, was named the Western Athletic Conference's Hitter of the Week. She batted .556 with three home runs and seven RBIs in three games last week. During the eight-game road trip, Robinson hit five home runs.

"It's a nice honor," she said.

UH coach Bob Coolen praised Robinson's resurgence. She played well as a freshman in 2005, but struggled last year while adjusting as a utility player. Without regular playing time, "her bat left her," Coolen said.

But Robinson was productive in scrimmages against the U.S. national team in the fall.

This season, Robinson has found her way into the lineup as a pitcher or first-base replacement for Tyleen Tausaga, who often is used as the designated player while recovering from a knee injury.

During the road trip, Robinson batted fifth, behind Tausaga.

"I feel more relaxed in the (batter's) box," Robinson said. "Last year, I was so worried about getting a hit. Now I'm not worried. I feel more confident."

Robinson and Courtney Baughman are splitting duties as the No. 2 pitcher behind ace Justine Smethurst. Coolen said Smethurst will start every other game. Robinson or Baughman will pitch based on the particular matchup.

Smethurst will pitch the 4 p.m. opener against No. 17 Oregon in tomorrow's Pepsi Malihini Kipa Aloha Tournament. Coolen has not decided on a starter for the 6 p.m. game against Kent State.

"It will be a gut-feeling decision," Coolen said.

This is an important tournament for the Rainbows, who need games as much as victories. Last year, the Rainbows lost more than a dozen potential games because of rainouts. Coolen believes the closer the Rainbows get to 40 victories, the better their chances of claiming a postseason berth.

The Rainbows' power rankings have been boosted with victories against teams that have been nationally ranked — Auburn, Nebraska (twice) and DePaul.

This homestand runs through March 24, and consists of three tournaments and two three-game series against WAC opponents.

"We're going to be playing against some big-time teams at home," Coolen said.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.