Even with 11 newcomers joining the program, the University of Hawaii softball team’s conditioning program and bonding activities eliminated the need for "Hello, my name is …" stickers when the Rainbow Wahine meet up today.

The process of getting acquainted on the field begins with the start of fall practice for a team with 16 freshmen and sophomores on the 24-player roster.

"That’s what the six weeks of fall are for," UH coach Bob Coolen said. "Put it all in, keep it simple. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel, we just need to start over."

Senior Sharla Kliebenstein was already familiar with a few of the nine-member freshman class through her younger sister’s travel ball connections in California. The talented Wahine got to know others when the signees came to their road games last spring.

"So it wasn’t an awkward, ‘Oh hi, nice to meet you,’ " Kliebenstein said. "It was like, ‘hey nice seeing you again.’ "

Kliebenstein is among six returnees who were part of the starting lineup when UH closed its season in the Seattle regional in May, ending the campaign at 45-13 and with the Big West title.

Senior second baseman Jazmine Zamora, who won the team’s batting title at .337, also returns along with junior catcher Kayla Wartner (.314, 11 HR) and first baseman Leisha Li‘ili‘i (.301, 41 RBI 13 HR). Senior Kaile Nakao started 37 games at third base last season.

Sophomore Keiki Carlos, who made eight pitching appearances as a freshman, hit .320 and drove in 32 runs, returns as a full-time right fielder. She’s also a top candidate to take over the leadoff spot in the order held by Kelly Majam the last four years.

Establishing roles is among the main thrusts of the fall, along with getting the newcomers acclimated to college ball.

"Nothing’s set in stone," Zamora said. "It’s just fun competition. We’re athletes, that’s what we strive for, that’s what we do best and that’s how we’re going to get better."

Leadership for a relatively young group will be counted on from the senior class of Kliebenstein, Nakao, Zamora and first baseman Jori Jasper.

Kliebenstein, who made starts in left field and at catcher last season, moves into center following Majam’s graduation. Freshman Sarina Jaramillo and sophomore Kristina Akiona are among the contenders to step in for Jessica Iwata at shortstop.

The pitcher’s circle — where Kaia Parnaby went 39-7 while throwing 3122⁄3 innings in the spring — will be occupied by a young staff of sophomore Loie Kesterson (4-4, 5.39 earned-run average), freshmen Heather Morales and Brittany Hitchcock, and junior Maggie Albers, a member of the UH water polo team the last three years.

The freshman class also includes three players who earned all-state recognition last spring — Ula Reis-Moniz (first team, ‘Iolani), Joen Baker (second team, Mililani) and Ulu Matagiese (third team, Waimea).

"(The freshmen are) all used to winning," Coolen said. "We have to re-establish that since we have a whole new thumbprint."

UH will close fall practice with a tournament featuring Chaminade and BYU-Hawaii set for Nov. 8-9 at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.