Associated Press President Bush gets a University of Arizona jersey from softball player Jennie Finch, left, in the East Room at the White House March 12 in Washington during an event with NCAA champions.

The 2001 National Champion Arizona softball team received some royal treatment this past week during the program's inaugural trip to the White House.

The Wildcats were one of six collegiate squads honored on the South Lawn by President Bush for earning national championships during their sport's most recent seasons.

After picking up its freshmen, UA followed its trip to the nation's capitol with a less-than-spectacular performance at the Kia Classic tournament in Fullerton, Calif. Mike Candrea, UA softball coach, said that he did not believe the early week festivities affected his team's on-field performance.

Arizona (28-4) will return to action tomorrow at Hillenbrand Stadium with an exhibition contest against Simon Fraser University at 7 p.m.