Softball team wins Wildcat Classic

Eric M. Jukelevics Arizona Daily Wildcat Sophomore outfielder Lauren Bauer (24) slides into second base in the game against Tennessee Friday at Hillenbrand Stadium. No. 2 Arizona improved to 16-1 by beating Tennessee again yesterday 3-1 to win the Arizona Wildcat Classic title.

The weekend was not all positive, though, as the Wildcats lost starting shortstop Michelle Churnock for the season to a serious leg injury in a first round game.

"Tennessee is a good team that has come a long way," UA head coach Mike Candrea said. "They swung their bats aggressively and competed hard. Luckily, our pitching was good enough to shut them down."

Despite the loss, Candrea said he is glad to see his team working hard in beating teams like the Volunteers.

In the title game, the Tennessee opened up a 1-0 lead early when Lisa Warren scored on Carrie Swinford's single to left field. The Wildcats didn't tie up the game until the third inning when Lauren Bauer tripled to center, sending Mascarenas home and evening the score at 1-1.

Once gaining the lead in the fifth, the UA women added a bit of insurance with a pinch-hit hit sacrifice fly in the sixth inning. Teresa Ayoub, batting for Tami Acuna, drove in Chrissy Gil to extend the Arizona lead to the final score of 3-1.

"We played as a team today," Gil said. "Like all of our games, none have been simple wins, but our intensity this weekend helped us to do well."

To reach their full potential, which Gil said the UA softball team has not, she said every player on the team needs to step up in the absence of Churnock.

"It is a tough loss because Michelle was our only senior," Gil said. "We are all capable of being leaders, and we all need to do so."

The loss of Churnock is difficult, Candrea said. He added he hates to see season-ending injuries to seniors but believes his team can overcome the adversity.

"We are doing well without her," Candrea said. "Once Felecity (Willis) returns from basketball, the team will be even stronger."

Candrea said he was glad his team won this weekend, but feels there is room for improvement. He said he would like to have Arizona be more of an offensive threat.

"We need more bat speed," he said. "We are going to work on swinging our bats with an offensive focus, rather than defensively. Our team also needs to cut down on the little mistakes. If we are able to eliminate them, it will make a big difference for us."

In advancing to the championship game, the Wildcats recorded four victories against Tennessee, South Florida and twice against Hawaii.

The Wildcats improved their record to 18-1 with the five wins over the weekend. Next weekend the Wildcats host the Hillenbrand Invitational featuring Texas Tech, Louisiana State, Kansas and Notre Dame.