The Hawai'i softball team has a solid starting pitching staff.

Thing is, its staff is one person — freshman Stephanie Ricketts.

"Right now, she's the only one we can count on," UH coach Bob Coolen said of the right-hander from San Jose, Calif.

Ricketts will pitch in tonight's game against Nevada, and will start at least one game of tomorrow's doubleheader.

"We'll cross our fingers for the third game," Coolen said.

During the recent four-game road trip to Louisiana, Ricketts went 3-0, including a no-hitter and a one-hitter against Louisiana Tech. She has not allowed an earned run in her last four appearances.

The blueprint was for Ricketts to be used in a developmental role this season. But the first domino to fall was Olympian Justine Smethurst's 11th-hour decision not to return to UH. Courtney Baughman, a senior, was awarded the No. 1 role. But she ceded it after experiencing discomfort in her right (pitching) arm. Melissa Gonzalez moved up — then out. Gonzalez suffered a foot injury that required her to wear a medical boot for three weeks. Gonzalez has been cleared to play, but she's not nearly ready to pitch or play the infield.

UH needs solid pitching to compensate for a struggling offense. Leadoff hitter Tanisha Milca is batting .357 for the season, but only .182 in three WAC games.

All-America third baseman Clare Warwick, who was hitting nearly .400 earlier in the season, has slumped, and is batting .264.

"I keep changing the lineup," Coolen said. "I'm looking for players who can hit."

For now, the platoon at catcher has ended. Katie Grimes, who has a strong arm, will be the full-time catcher.

Coolen also said that middle infielder Richie-Anne Titcomb "won't be playing too much the rest of the year."

Titcomb, a dependable hitter and fielder, has a shoulder problem that might eventually require offseason surgery. Coolen said Julie Franklin will play short.

To protect Ricketts, Makani Duhaylonsod-Kaleimamahu will be used as the designated hitter.