KEVIN KLAUS/Arizona Daily Wildcat Junior Mackenzie Vandergeest ends the third inning by throwing out a runner. UA improved to 21-2 on the season.

After last weekend's lack of intensity, the Arizona softball team had something to prove to its fans ÷ especially its coach.

The Wildcats made it up to those who came to UA's Rita Hillenbrand Stadium, with a 6-0 win over San Diego State University yesterday, earning the Hillenbrand Invitational championship.

"Today was a big day because we needed to win a big game," UA head coach Mike Candrea said. "(We played) better, but it's hard to say. We'll be challenged more and more; we need to continue the things we're doing."

The Wildcats dictated the momentum of the game from the beginning after junior catcher Mackenzie Vandergeest blasted a two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the first inning, marking her seventh homerun of the season.

After a scoreless second inning for both teams, it was Vandergeest once again who got things going for Arizona.

With two outs in the bottom of the third, Vandergeest doubled to right field to start a four-run inning for the Wildcats.

"I'm really pleased with Mackenzie; she had quality at-bats," Candrea said. "We've got enough quality as long as the entire lineup is ready to play."

Sophomore third baseman Jackie Coburn followed with a walk.

The next batter, junior Wendy Allen, doubled, driving in two runs to give the Wildcats a 4-0 lead.

Still with two outs, freshman first baseman Shelly Schultz walked, giving senior Lisha Ribellia the chance to drive in two more runs with a double of her own.

The Aztecs threatened in the top of the fourth inning with the bases loaded, but freshman pitcher Alicia Hollowell pitched her way out of the jam and preserved the shutout.

Hollowell allowed just two hits as she and the Wildcats shut out SDSU, improving her record, 12-2.

The Wildcats dominated offensively in their three previous weekend wins, shutting out all three of their opponents.

Arizona took control from the start of the tournament, slaughtering New Mexico State 16-0 on Friday.

The Wildcats then came out on Saturday and blew by Northern Iowa 8-0 before dominating the Aztecs 11-0.

The Wildcats hit 12 home runs en route to the four-game sweep.

"We've definitely stepped up and hitters have come to the plate to hit," UA volunteer assistant coach Jennie Finch said. "We're gelling well and are coming out here ready to play."

The Wildcats hit the road for two tournaments before they return home.

After yesterday's win, Candrea said the team is one step closer to where it needs to be.

"I like this team. Once they recognize who they are and what they need to do to be successful they'll be very good," Candrea said. "They're working hard. The young kids are more comfortable and they do belong here. We've made progress."

Arizona hits the road this weekend for the Red Raider Classic in Lubbock, Texas followed by the Kia Klassic in Fullerton, Calif.