By Eric Wein

Arizona Daily Wildcat

Arizona softball coach Mike Candrea looked like a genius last weekend.

His team had suffered its second loss of the season against UNLV on Saturday at Hillenbrand Stadium and instead of having a chance to stay in Tucson and think about it, the team hurried to depart for a doubleheader against Cal the next day in northern California.

Candrea makes up the schedule and even though their travel plans did seem hectic, it paid off. But Candrea won't take credit.

"This team is not one that sits around and mopes about a defeat," Candrea said. "I think this team goes out with one thing in mind and that's to win. They kept their perspective and came back the next day."

The top-ranked Wildcats (40-2) return to the diamond tomorrow night at 6 for a doubleheader against No. 18 Long Beach State at Hillenbrand Stadium.

While the 49ers present a subtle reminder of UNLV because they also are a Big West Conference team, Candrea's concerns are still confined to his own team.

"I don't think we've changed anything," Candrea said. "We have to go back to some fundamentals. We're starting to take a look at some other things. People start feeling tired and we discuss nutrition and the importance of taking care of yourself. If you don't have energy, it's hard, like a car running without gas."

The Wildcats, who are 23-1 at home, don't return home for three weeks after tomorrow. Their next home doubleheader is May 6 against Oregon State. Read Next Article