Everybody knows that Arizona versus UCLA is the biggest softball contest of the year.

Now, ESPN is getting into the act.

The all-sports network will be in Los Angeles tomorrow to broadcast the first of a two-game doubleheader between the top-ranked Wildcats (36-4 overall, 9-1 in the Pacific 10 Conference) and the third-ranked Bruins (28-6, 9-5).

The television coverage adds a hint of drama to what is already the most heated rivalry in college softball, but UA assistant coach Stacey Hill said that the two teams are so familiar with each other that it should be just another game in the Pac-10 race.

"We've played them enough that they know us and we know them," she said. "I don't think there'll be too many surprises."

Well, that may be a little much to ask.

In a matchup that is traditionally filled with heroes, surprises should be expected.

Take for example Tiana Hejduk. Arizona's junior first baseman opened up the season by going 0-for-24 at the plate, but it was her two-run double that lifted the Wildcats over UCLA on March 29.

This series marks UA's first Pac-10 road series, and winning on the road is an important key to winning the conference championship.

"I don't think it makes too much difference because we played at the PONY Tournament (in Fullerton, Calif.)," Hill said. "So it's not like it's our first road trip of the season. And usually when we play at UCLA, we get a lot of support from parents and friends.

The Bruin series is the first of a week-long stretch run, during which the Wildcats host No. 4 Fresno State and travel to Seattle to face No. 2 Washington, so a sweep against UCLA would give the Wildcats a good deal of momentum. But the team chooses not to focus on the future.

"This year it seems like the emphasis has always been on the task at hand," Hill said. "Everyone's doing a good job of focusing."

The Wildcats will most likely be without the services of center fielder Alison Johnsen. She sprained her right ankle against Stanford last Friday, did not play against Arizona State on Wednesday, and Arizona head coach Mike Candrea said that she did not look well enough to go tomorrow. Candrea called Johnsen's status "day-to-day."

"I think she just all- around helps our team, especially defensively," Hill said about Johnsen. "(Her return) allows us to play our outfielders where they are more comfortable."

In Johnsen's absence, right fielder Andrea Doty has switched to center, left fielder Brandi Shriver has shifted to right and designated player Julie Reitan has filled in as the left fielder.