Tim Hill knew his Pacific University (Forest Grove, Ore.) softball team would be in for some growing pains last season.

But the Boxers, who started six freshmen and had no seniors on the 2007 roster, finished with a respectable 25-13 record, third in the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference.

This season, Pacific is off to its best start in 13 years, compiling an 18-2 record with nine games to go.

"We had a good season last year," Hill said. "But I think everybody having another year's experience has helped our comfort level and confidence. They feel like college softball players now."

Hill, in his sixth year at Pacific, credits second baseman Kelly Nishitomi, a 2006 Castle graduate of Kane'ohe, with elevating her game following last season's freshman campaign.

"She's probably raised her (batting) average 100 points since last year," Hill said. "She's added to her game. Last year she wasn't a good bunter, but this year she's getting a few more hits that way."

Nishitomi, a left-handed No. 2 hitter, has also been sound defensively as her offensive output increased.

"I think she made four errors all last year and she provides critical defense at middle infield," Hill said. "She can drag bunt, slap; she puts a lot of pressure on the defense. But this year she's been hitting away for us and on top of that she may be the fastest kid on the team."

Nishitomi, who has started 17 games, is batting .352 (19 of 54) and has a .397 on-base percentage. She has one double with seven RBIs, 20 total bases and is 6 of 8 on stolen bases.

Last season, Nishitomi started all 38 games at second base and had a team-high 116 at-bats. She tied for the team lead with 16 stolen bases in as many attempts and was third on the team with 30 hits. She was named to All-Northwest Conference second team.

"She's not a very physically imposing kid, but I think what people don't see (about her) is a real desire to win," Hill said. "She hates to lose and she's got a great desire to succeed at this game."

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