It is the deceptive nature of the desert that a softball team can experience the heat without feeling it.

It is why Hawai'i is oblivious to the sun-baked conditions and the surrounding pressures of being the surprise guest at the NCAA Regional in Tempe, Ariz.

The Rainbow Wahine meet Mississippi State today in the opener of the double-elimination tournament.

"We have a lot of kids who are beet red," UH coach Bob Coolen said.

The mercury was at 91 at the conclusion of their two-hour split workout in Arizona State's Farrington Stadium and adjoining practice field.

"They were panting," Coolen said. "The weather is so different here. It's a dry heat. You don't really drink as much because you don't lose that much sweat. But you sort of heat up like a thermometer. Everyone was turning red. We kept taking water breaks after 15, 20 minutes, forcing them to hydrate."

Later yesterday, a thunderstorm hit, with the heavy rainfall continuing through early morning. It should clear up today, with the weather set to "bake" by this afternoon.

"It's supposed to be 100 degrees by this weekend," Coolen said.

In this area, the hottest part of the day is between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. The Rainbows play at 4:30 p.m.

The weather is significant because the dry heat toughens the Farrington Stadium field, an advantage for Mississippi State's slap hitters. The Bulldogs' offense, at their most basic, relies on grounders and steals.

The Bulldogs have 19 home runs — the same number as UH pitcher/first baseman Kate Robinson — and have stolen 122 bases in 143 attempts.

In contrast, few teams have dared to steal against the Rainbows. This season, UH opponents are 14 of 22 in steal attempts.

The deterrents are catcher Katie Grimes' powerful right arm and shortstop Valana Manuma's fearlessness.

Most fielders prefer to make swipe tags.

"You don't find many shortstops who will give up their body (on a steal attempt)," Coolen said. "She enjoys the contact."

Manuma has the scars as proof. As a freshman, she suffered a thigh gash that required several stitches when she was "cleated" on a steal attempt.

Depending on the batter, most teams alternate between a shortstop and second baseman in defending attempted steals of second. Manuma covers the bag even if a right-handed hitter is at the plate.

Robinson is scheduled to be the starting pitcher in every UH game. Courtney Baughman is done for the season because of a nerve condition in her pitching shoulder, and freshman Melissa Gonzalez is too inexperienced. Jessica Morton is primarily a reliever.

While Robinson has worked best as the second part of a two-pitcher rotation, Coolen said, "Kate is the deal. She knows it."

Visit Tsai's blog at http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com.