When it comes to great deals, the Hawai'i softball team found a good bye.

Last week's bye gave the 16th-ranked Rainbow Wahine a refreshing 12-day break.

What's more, without even playing, they ascended into first place in the Western Athletic Conference.

In March, the Rainbows played 23 games and went on two road trips.

"We had very few days off," said coach Bob Coolen, whose team hosts San Jose State tonight and in a doubleheader tomorrow. "The bye came at the right time."

Because of the hectic March schedule, the Warriors had to interrupt their regular weight training. Several players went to lighter bats.

"We had to do creative things to keep them strong," Coolen said.

Coolen said he hopes the break will rejuvenate the lineup. The Rainbow hitters have been less aggressive this season, taking more pitches and, ultimately, too often ending up behind in the count.

"Last year, we didn't wait for a particular pitch," Coolen said. "We hit. The only one with that mentality now is Kate (Robinson)."

Robinson, the cleanup hitter, is the WAC leader with 14 home runs and is second with 34 RBIs. But Robinson is receiving limited support.

The No. 5 hitter, left fielder Brandi Peiler, has three home runs. She hit nine last season.

There has been a revolving door at the No. 3 spot, behind leadoff hitter Tanisha Milca and center fielder Kaulana Gould.

Second baseman Melissa Gonzalez, a freshman, was moved to that spot after hitting .400 in pre-conference games.

But in five WAC games, she is hitless in 17 at-bats.

"She's not in her optimal playing condition," Coolen said. "There are a lot of things affecting her — freshman year, school work, traveling. Out on the field, she's making plays."

Third baseman Clare Warwick has been moved to the third spot, and Gonzalez has been dropped to eighth.

The lineup's bottom four hitters have a combined batting average of .216 with three homers in 292 at-bats.

The Rainbows will need more production against the Spartans, who are averaging nine runs in their past four games.

Coolen said the turnaround could begin with first baseman Audrey Andrade, who broke into the lineup the past four games, all victories.

"She looks imposing when she walks up to the plate," Coolen said of 5-foot-10 Andrade. "She looks like she can crush the ball."

Robinson, who has developed into the ace of the pitching staff, will start in today's 6 p.m. game.

Coolen said Robinson, who is 12-3 with a 1.68 earned run average, displays leadership qualities.

"The demeanor shifts when you have her on the mound," Coolen said. "We've been playing very good around her. She just has a great presence."

Coolen said Courtney Baughman (12-6, 2.01 ERA) will pitch in tomorrow's 2 p.m. game. Robinson will come back to pitch in the second game.

Jessica Morton, who has been a spot starter, will become a full-time reliever. Morton is second among WAC pitchers with a 1.04 ERA.

With a road trip looming against Fresno State and Nevada, the Rainbows need to win at least two games in this three-game series.

At 4-1 in the WAC and 28-11 overall, the Rainbows have a lot of quality victories. What's more, the WAC has emerged as a power conference. UH, Fresno State and Nevada are all nationally ranked.

In the power polls, the WAC is rated the ninth best conference. There are 21 Division I-A conference.

"Our (ratings percentage index) is strong," Coolen said. Now all we have to do is keep winning."

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