Candrea will get first look at nine new freshmen

The top-ranked Arizona women's softball team begins its 2002 season this weekend with a pair of exhibition doubleheaders against Division II opponents Sonoma State and Western New Mexico at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium today and tomorrow.

Arizona head coach Mike Candrea is hoping these games will allow him to get a look at his nine freshmen before No. 13 Alabama comes to Tucson next weekend for the regular season-opener.

"I like to give (the team) a chance to see what they look like in a game situation," Candrea said.

On Wednesday, Arizona edged Pacific 10 Conference rival UCLA to earn the No. 1 preseason ranking in the USA Today/National Fast Pitch Coaches Association women's college softball poll.

While the Wildcat infield and pitching rotation is set, the outfield positions are still up for grabs. Five freshmen and senior Meaghan Finnerty, a transfer from Cal State Northridge, will likely all see playing time in the outfield this season.

Candrea said he expects this weekend's games to drastically change the projected lineup of freshmen Courtney Fossatti, Crystal Farley and Candace Abrams in the outfield.

The exhibition games will also give the pitchers a chance to throw against someone other than their teammates for the first time since May.

Senior Jennie Finch and sophomore Jenny Gladding return as Arizona's top two starters from a year ago. The two will comprise Arizona's entire pitching rotation as freshman Marissa Marzan will now redshirt the season.

Sonoma State, a member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association, finished last season with a record of 22-32.

The Cossacks return all but two players from last season, including their best offensive weapon, junior outfielder Kellie Peterson.

Peterson led the team in 2001 with 15 extra-base hits. She also had one of the team's two home runs last year.

Sonoma State also returns its top pitcher, sophomore Meegan Kaminaka.

Kaminaka posted a 12-8 record and struck out a team-high 51 batters last season.

The Mustangs of Western New Mexico compiled a 99-51 record since restarting their program three years ago as a member of the Pacific West Conference.

Tomorrow's games will serve as a homecoming for Mustang senior catcher Toni Guevara, a Tucson native.

The first pitch for today's game is set for 1 p.m. with tomorrow's games getting underway at noon. Admission is free for UA students with a CatCard.