University of Hawai'i softball coach Bob Coolen said he expects his team to have a healthier lineup and pitching outlook for this week's Bank of Hawai'i Invitational at Rainbow Wahine Stadium.

Coolen said his top hitter, first baseman Tyleen Tausaga, is not suffering any pain after being struck on the back of the head with a thrown ball.

He added that outfielder Tanisha Milca, who suffered a sore right shoulder last week, also is fit. Milca will reclaim her role as leadoff hitter.

"We knew this stretch (of three tournaments in three weeks) would tax us," Coolen said. "We're getting a little dinged up. Hopefully, we'll get through this."

Milca is the most successful of UH's five leadoff hitters this season. She is batting .364, with an on-base percentage of .517 and a team-high five steals and 12 walks.

Coolen said Milca's sore shoulder could be traced to increased throws she is making in college. Last year, she missed most of her senior season at Kailua High School because of injuries.

Coolen also has decided on a new pitching strategy. Justine Smethurst, a freshman from Australia, remains as the ace. She has a 5-5 record with a 2.69 earned-run average.

After that, the No. 2 pitcher will be selected on a situational basis.

Coolen said senior Paula Blanning, who relies on a 35-mph changeup, is best against free-swinging teams. In a 4-0 victory over Detroit Mercy last week, Blanning struck out 14, mixing changeups with 57-mph risers. "She had them totally off-balance," Coolen said.

But Blanning is vulnerable against teams that often drop bunts. Against those teams, UH will go with either freshman Courtney Baughman, a finesse pitcher who likes to throw to the corners, or third-year sophomore Jessica Morton, who has the widest repertoire of pitches.

"Courtney is good against teams that have a tough time with pitches on the inside and outside," Coolen said. "She can handcuff a lot of batters with her inside pitches."

The Rainbow Wahine will play Longwood of Farmville, Va., in tomorrow's opening round. The field also includes Kansas, Oklahoma State, Northwestern and San Diego State.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.