Friends become foes for a game as UA faces its own coach, Team USA

UA SOFTBALL VS. TEAM USA ð TODAY, 6 P.M.

Fans will never get to see the '27 Yankees battle the '98 Yankees, or Michael Jordan in his prime play LeBron James in his.

But tonight, Arizona softball supporters will get the dream matchup of Jennie Finch vs. Alicia Hollowell and Mike Candrea vs. Larry Ray.

Not to mention that the top college team in the nation and top Olympic team in the country face off. [Read article]

Since the first day of practice, head coach Andy Lopez has stressed the importance of the Pac-10 schedule. He's downplayed the nonconference foes.

He didn't get too high when the Wildcats took two of three from Cal State Fullerton and he didn't get too down when they narrowly escaped a sweep by UC-Irvine with a Sunday tie.

Now comes the real test for Arizona.

"I'm really excited," Lopez said. "Hopefully (our non conference schedule) has gotten us ready. I'd like to think we've played very good people. We'll find out (today)." [Read article]

For those who have yet to buy tickets to see the UA softball team take on the Olympic team: You can still go, but you won't be sitting.

The game is sold out, but there will be standing room available beginning at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow, 2 1/2 hours before the game.

The USA Softball team is somewhat of a UA alumni game in itself, with alums Jennie Finch, Nicole Giordano, Lovieanne Jung, and Leah O'Brien-Amico playing for the Americans, and UA head coach Mike Candrea taking a year of leave from the Wildcats to coach the Olympic team. [Read article]

The Wildcat men's tennis team, which moved up another spot in the rankings to No. 24, takes on Arizona State tomorrow. Arizona (10-6, 0-2) has won its last two matches against Ball State and Clemson in dominating fashion as it looks to do more of the same against the Sun Devils.

"We beat a pretty good team in Clemson, and we're gelling as a team," said senior captain Tom Lloyd.

Arizona State comes into Tucson ranked 34th with a 5-7 record, but the Sun Devils have an impressive win to their credit, against No. 2 UCLA. ASU has struggled in its seven losses, gaining just five points, but the Devils hope to improve their record against the Wildcats, who hold a 51-34 edge in the all-time series. [Read article]

Following the theme of the season, the Wildcat women's tennis team is once again coming off a long break from competition - two weeks, in this case - to face No. 13 Fresno State and No. 21 Tulane at home tomorrow and Sunday, respectively.

"I think with all the tough matches that we've been having lately, we're more prepared to play this weekend," said junior Diane Hollands. "I think everyone's excited and we're a lot more fresh coming out of spring break." [Read article]

The Arizona men's golf team returns home to host an elite field at the 2004 National Invitational Tournament at Omni Tucson National Golf Course. It is the second of three home events for the Wildcats this season.

The NIT will be played over Tucson National's Orange and Gold nines, the same layout used for the PGA Tour's Chrysler Classic of Tucson. Arizona is the defending champion in this event and enters the tournament with three victories in its four spring starts, including its last outing at the Hall of Fame Invitational March 19-21. [Read article]

Forget that the decisive goal in Michigan's 10-9 victory over the Arizona men's lacrosse team March 13 was guarded well (it deflected off goalie Charlie Salemi's helmet into the net). Ignore the fact that the Laxcats pounded Michigan State 16-9 the next day in arctic East Lansing.

With a trio of conference games in Los Angeles this weekend, the Laxcats need to show some big "C" to re-establish residence in the win column. [Read article]

The Arizona track and field teams continue the outdoor season and battle to retain their crown tomorrow in the Jim Click Shootout.

In last year's shootout, Arizona finished first overall with 350 total points and a wide margin of victory over second-place Colorado (229 points). Cal State Los Angeles rounded off the top three with 116 points.

This year, the competition is more intense, with a tough field of athletes from CSULA, Oregon, Nebraska, Kansas State, and Cal State Northridge. [Read article]