Softball's title hopes hinge on the arm of its sophomore workhorse

Alicia Hollowell has changed the UA softball record book so much, she's created her own category: BH, or Before Hollowell.

The single-season strikeout mark? Before Hollowell, it belonged to Jennie Finch with 366 in 2002. The sophomore phenom has 466 this season, and counting.

Before Hollowell, the single-season wins record of 36 belonged to associate head coach Nancy Evans. As a freshman last year, Hollowell posted 40. This year, she's 38-2. [Read article]

The highlights and lowlights of the sports year

1. Turmoil on the gridiron

The Arizona football team had more head coaches than wins this year but can look forward to a fresh start next season.

Former head coach John Mackovic was fired Sept. 28, 2003, hours after losing to Texas Christian 13-10 in overtime. At the time of his firing, the Wildcats were 1-4. In his 2 1/2 seasons at the UA, he posted a record of 10-18. [Read article]

Let's get one thing straight: This is not a goodbye column.

It seems everybody's writing them this time of year, every Wildcatter who thinks his or her departure is going to bring the whole paper-reading UA community to its knees in grief, a gaping void where its collective heart used to be.

But don't worry, loyal readers: I check the sports desk e-mail. I know how you feel about me. If that wasn't bad enough, a certain adviser around here has been calling me inept in one way or another for four years. So I know this section isn't about the name printed at the top of the page. [Read article]

Showcasing UA sports' standout seniors

Chris Nallen ð Golf

Named the Pac-10 Men's Golfer of the Year as a senior this season, it's arguable that Nallen was the Wildcats' best overall player for most of his time in Tucson. He played second fiddle to U.S. Amateur Champion Ricky Barnes for his first three years, matching Barnes' numbers and playing arguably more consistently while deflecting all the media attention to his elder teammate. The payoff: a Pacific 10 Conference championship in 2004, being named a four-time All-American and a finalist for the Ben Hogan Award - given annually to the nation's top male golfer - and earning the "outstanding senior male athlete" tag from the UA athletics department. Not a bad trade. [Read article]

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, unless that girl is on the Arizona softball team. In that case, it's rings.

On Sunday, the No. 1 Wildcats (51-3, 15-2) wrapped up their eighth Pacific 10 Championship with a 3-0 victory over Oregon State, one day after winning their 50th game of the season for the 14th time in team history.

Without head coach Mike Candrea, who took the year off to lead Team USA, the UA raced out to its best start ever this season. But should the Wildcats not win the national championship later this month, the year will be considered a "waste." [Read article]

Senior sports writers recall memories of life on the UA beat

It all comes down to one

I've crossed the finish line and got my checkered degree. Just like the bottom of a ninth inning, the bottom of my ninth drink makes me wish for another.

Alas, it is not so. So, in my four sun rotations in Tucson, I've seen many things and probably missed even more. My point is, I have concluded one thing from carrying out Wildcat sports desk orders: Everything reduces to one. [Read article]

If the Arizona baseball team hopes to play in the NCAA Regionals for the second year in a row, it has its work cut out for it.

The Wildcats (25-20-1, 7-8 Pacific 10 Conference) begin a three-game series Friday at 7 p.m. at Sancet Field against top-ranked Stanford.

The series continues tomorrow at 7 p.m. and concludes Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Cardinal will come into Tucson as the nation's No. 1 team, which will make head coach Andy Lopez's stated goal of taking two of three games from every series the rest of the year that much more difficult. [Read article]

The Arizona men's golf team will begin play at the NCAA West Regionals next week in Sunriver, Ore.

The Pac-10 Champion Wildcats will face 26 other teams tomorrow through Saturday at the Crosswater Club course. The top 10 finishers will advance to the NCAA Championship to be held June 1 in Hot Springs, Va.

No. 6 Arizona was selected to participate in a regional for the 16th straight year after winning the Pacific 10 Conference Championships last time out on April 28. [Read article]