Women travel today, take on Florida Friday

Arizona (17-10) faces Florida (19-13), the No. 11 seed, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Friday in Piscataway, N.J.

Rutgers, the No. 3 seed, is hosting the first and second rounds of the Midwest Regional. The Scarlet Knights take on No. 14 seed Dartmouth.

"I'm anxious and very excited about making the tournament," junior forward Angela Lackey said. "Playing in the tournament is a dream I've always had."

Unfortunately for Arizona, too many players have only dreamt of playing in the tournament. With seniors Monika Crank and Shontey Hambrick out for the entire season, only three players, juniors Felecity Willis and Lisa Griffith and sophomore Reshea Bristol, have tournament experience under their belts.

"The main thing we have to do is talk to them and tell them what it's going to be like," Willis said of coaching the inexperienced players. "All we can do is tell them everything we can and just play."

Florida, the only school ever to make the tournament with a losing conference record at 6-8 in the Southeastern Conference, is making its seventh straight tournament appearance, while Arizona is making its third.

Gator freshman guard Brandi McCain is averaging 13.1 points per game and is considered to be one of the top freshmen in the country. Standing at only 5-foot-3, McCain has the quickness to give any team difficulty.

"She's very smart and very heady, showing a lot of poise for a freshman," UA head coach Joan Bonvicini said. "When they put her and Tombi Bell on the court together, they're like little waterbugs going a hundred miles per hour."

Bonvicini believes the two teams match up well together.

"They're quick and very young, and return only one senior," she said. "They've played a tough schedule, like us, and it should be a good game."

Both teams like to run and press, so Arizona has been concentrating on the small details that will decide who wins the game.

"The last week and a half, we've just been paying attention to details. That's the key," Bonvicini said. "When you get to the tournament, those little things help you win."

Arizona had its final practice at home yesterday, and the players will be looking forward to Friday night's game.

"Practice has been real intense and we've been concentrating on details," freshman guard Julie Brase said. "I just want to go out there and play. I wish the game was today."