UA softball team faces toughest test yet

The tournament features two other teams ranked in the top 10 of the NFCA Coaches Preseason Poll in eighth-ranked Kansas and ninth-ranked Colorado State.

Arizona plays Colorado State today and hosts Kansas and McNeese State tomorrow and Sunday respectively. All three doubleheaders start at 2 p.m.

The Wildcats have a good luck charm on their side this weekend in three-time All-American Leah O'Brien.

O'Brien, who graduated last spring, will see her former team play for the first time since finishing her illustrious career as a Wildcat.

"I miss it all so much," O'Brien said. "It's real tough to watch practice and there is nothing like playing in this stadium and in an Arizona uniform. I am not quite sure what it's going to feel like this weekend, but there will be a lot of emotion."

O'Brien, a UA-record .428 career hitter, spent the fall semester as a student assistant for the team while student teaching at Cross Middle School. She is also a member of the U.S. National Team for 1998 and is training to keep her spot on the squad and secure a second trip to the Olympics in 2000 in Sydney, Australia.

In the meantime, Arizona head coach Mike Candrea is happy to have O'Brien's presence around the team to help his current players learn from one of the best.

"Leah is just the kind of quality person you want to have around any team of yours," Candrea said. "She is truly one great role model and it's an advantage for our young people to have her around."

NOTES: Today is Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day at Hillenbrand Stadium, meaning free admission to all UA faculty and staff with valid ID. The festivities also include a pre-game reception with food and beverage provided by El Saguarito to the first 500 faculty and staff members. The first 1,000 fans receive free Arizona "En Fuego" team posters.