CHRIS CODUTO/Arizona Daily Wildcat Sophomore Dianne Hollands leads the charge for No. 16 Arizona today against No. 51 Oregon.

Sometimes it's hard to tell what team will show up after a two-week layoff from competition öö an out-of-tune team, or a well-rested one.

UA women's head coach Vicky Maes hopes for the latter for the 16th-ranked Wildcats. Arizona (2-0) returns to the court to open up its Pacific 10 Conference schedule this afternoon against No. 51 Oregon (7-1).

The Wildcats' match with the Ducks marks the first time they have taken the court since they defeated Marquette 6-1 two weeks ago.

The two-week hiatus from competition this early in the season has been a blessing in disguise for the Wildcats as sophomore Maja Mlakar has been given added time to recover from shin splints, and newcomer Emilie Scribot has been given time to adjust to classes and her new teammates.

"Emilie joined the team in January and she was thrown into matches," Scribot said. "The time off has given her an opportunity to practice with the team and get used to everything."

Last season, Mlakar was Arizona's top player, but her battle with shin splints slowed her down. But, Maes said she is beginning to regain the form of her dominant freshman campaign.

"Maja is doing a lot better," Maes said. "She has been practicing well and she is ready to get back on the court."

Maes said she is pleased the team's first conference match is against the Ducks, who are picked to finish near the bottom of the Pac-10.

"Playing against Pac-10 competition will give us an idea of where we are at," Maes said. "I am glad that we are playing Oregon, who isn't as strong as other teams in the conference. All of us are ready to begin the Pac-10 season. "The Ducks may be 7-1 on the season, but they have yet to face a team that is as deep and dynamic as the Wildcats.

However, the Wildcats have yet to face a player of Daria Panova's skill level. Panova is ranked 28th in the country in singles.

Scribot is UA's top player, and she will get her first real test when she takes center court against Panova in the featured match of the afternoon.

Scribot has been a solid No. 1 for the Wildcats, but sophomore Dianne Hollands has been just as impressive at the No. 2 position.

Hollands dominated play in the fall, and her success has carried over to the spring season with two convincing wins in her first two matches.

With UCLA and USC awaiting them next week, the Wildcats know that if they want to contend for a conference championship they can ill afford a loss at home to the Ducks.

First serve is set for this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in LaNelle Robson Tennis Center.