Bittersweet.

That's the taste that gets left in your mouth after going to the National Championship two years in a row, and only walking away with one title.

Today begins the path back for the Arizona softball team after a 55-12 (15-6 Pac-10) season that ended with a 6-0 loss to California in the College World Series Championship.

The starting point öö Tampa, Fla.

For the Wildcats, the USF-Louisville Slugger Tournament features five games over the course of three days.

"We get a chance to spend some time together," said 18th year head coach Mike Candrea. "We've got kids that need to stay consistent for us throughout the year and we'll find out where we're at."

The three-day schedule gives the team a chance to welcome the five freshmen, and come together for the first time this season.

"Bonding with the team is very important," junior catcher Mackenzie Vandergeest said of the season opening road trip.

The festivities begin today against Sam Houston State at 11 a.m. and Florida Atlantic University at 3 p.m.

FAU ended last season ranked No. 1 in the South region after posting a record of 59-11, and are predicted in both coaches and media polls to win their seventh straight Atlantic Sun Conference title.

"I just know that we're going to be on top," said Vandergeest.

The weekend match-ups consist of Auburn and South Florida on Saturday and Northwestern on Sunday.

Auburn ended last season with a record of 38-25 and a No. 6 ranking in the Central region with Northwestern finishing 24-18 and a No. 8 spot in the Midwest.

But the Wildcats aren't concerned with what the polls have to say.

"Cal wasn't anywhere in the polls last year," said senior shortstop Lovie Jung, a possible contender for National Player of the Year honors. "We're not worried about the polls. That's not what we need to focus on."

Meanwhile, Arizona has been prophesied to finish second in the Pac-10 again, but the defending champs are not ahead of them. Cal was placed in a tie with cross-bay rivals Stanford, as each received the same amount of points at 30 each.

UCLA edged Arizona in the Pac-10 poll by two points, receiving 46 to the Wildcats' 44. Washington was placed at third.

The season opening tournament is going to help the Wildcats prove what they are capable of early in the season.

"It's a day-by-day thing, we have a lot of new people," said senior Lisha Ribellia, a three-year starter at second base. "This tournament will show how well we need to prepare for every game."

Sophomore Jackie Coburn will anchor at third base after an outstanding true-freshman year, which earned her All Pac-10 honorable mention with 14 homers and 49 RBIs.

Rounding out the infield at first base is Wendy Allen, an Ohio State transfer who hit .355 while earning Big-10 Player of the Year honors. Allen also tossed for a 0.65 ERA and is expected to help bring experience to the mound.

The projected outfield is a trio of sophomores ÷ Courtney Fossatti, Crystal Farley and Allyson von Liechtenstein, with fellow sophomore Candace Abrams vying for some playing time.

"We're so excited," Fossatti said of the opening tournament. "We're getting there early so we'll be ready."

Candrea is focusing on keeping his players consistent, with no one player being in the main spotlight.

"This team will need everyone, they're working very hard," Candrea said. "Play some opponents here, hopefully we'll build on it."

UA's first home game is Friday, Feb. 14 against Minnesota in the Pepsi Arizona Softball Classic.