Like many travelers to Las Vegas, Hawai'i softball coach Bob Coolen is seeking good fortune.

Coolen would even settle for decent pitching and consistent hitting.

"It's one of those situations we have to see what we have," said Coolen, whose Rainbow Wahine compete in this weekend's Louisville-Slugger Desert Classic.

The Rainbows had concerns when Olympic pitcher Justine Smethurst opted to remain in Australia and not return to UH for her junior year, and blue-chip freshman outfielder Kelly Majam suffered a leg injury during fall camp.

Courtney Baughman, who ended the 2008 season on medical watch because of an arm injury, was pushed into the ace's role. Coolen said Baughman, who is 1-2 with a 4.00 earned-run average, is better suited as the No. 2 pitcher.

The second spot in UH's pitching rotation remains open after early performances yielded disappointing results. Melissa "Me-G" Gonzalez, who was projected to be No. 2, is 0-2. Stephanie Ricketts, a hard-throwing freshman, has a 7.00 ERA. Freshman Sarah Robinson relinquished two runs and four hits in 1 1/3 innings.

Coolen said Baughman is not the sort who can pitch consecutive games.

"Courtney is more of a No. 2 than a No. 1, and nobody has stepped up," Coolen said. "We're looking all over the place. We have some things to work out."

Coolen said he is hopeful Gonzalez, a sophomore, can "develop. She has to develop."

Ricketts' 66-mph pitches lack movement. "At this level, everyone is capable of hitting the ball, no matter what speed," Coolen said.

Coolen said he wants to "bring along (Robinson) tentatively." Robinson's pitches are not breaking the 60-mph barrier.

"We don't want to push the envelope too fast," Coolen said.

All-America third baseman Clare Warwick (.467) and right fielder Tanisha Milca (.333) are the Rainbows' only consistent hitters. Three regulars do not have a hit in the first five games. The first-base platoon is hitting a combined .063 (1 for 16).

The Rainbows have limited options. NCAA rules limit the travel squad to 20. Because of budget constraints, hitting coach John Nakamura will not make the trip.

"We'll miss him," Coolen said. "He's the single-word stabilizer. He's Mr. In Control."