UA tennis teams host Stanford, Cal

Nicholas Valenzuela Arizona Daily Wildcat Freshman Lindsay Blau returns a ball during an earlier match this season against San Diego. The UA women's tennis team plays Stanford today at 2 p.m. and California tomorrow at noon at the Robson Tennis Center.

The No. 5-ranked Cardinal defeated the Wildcats 7-2 March 5, but that doesn't mean Arizona feels it doesn't have a chance.

"I definitely think that they are beatable," UA head coach Stephanie London said. "They lost to San Diego, who we beat, so we definitely have a chance."

Stanford is led by the No. 2-ranked player in the nation in Marissa Irvin, who recently had her 23 match win streak halted by Southern California's No. 19-ranked Ditta Huber.

Other Cardinal who are nationally ranked include Teryn Ashley (No. 5), Gabreil Lastra (tied for No. 81) and the doubles team of Ashley and Irvin (No. 2).

Tomorrow No. 56 UA (7-10 overall, 3-7 Pacific 10 Conference) takes on No. 7 California at noon at Robson, trying to avenge a 9-0 loss earlier this season.

The Bears are led by Anita Kurimay (No. 17) and the doubles team of Amanda Augustus and Amy Jensen (No. 4).

This past weekend the Wildcats came home victorious with wins against No. 30 Washington State (8-1), No. 42 Oregon (8-1) and No. 27 Washington (5-4).

"Our team has competed well lately," London said. "We have come together as a team with more heart, courage and intensity."

Men's tennis also faces Bears and Cardinal

The men's tennis team travels to the Bay Area today to take on No. 52-ranked California.

In their last meeting with Cal the Wildcats defeated the Bears 4-3. In the last two weeks Cal has dropped down from No. 31.

Tomorrow the Wildcats take on the No. 9 Stanford Cardinal.

In their last meeting, Stanford defeated UA 6-1.

As for the Wildcats, the UA men have moved up to the No. 46 spot in the last rankings.

Senior Adnan Novo has been recognized by ITA after being UA's No. 1 player all season. Novo has appeared in the No. 100 spot, looking to move up in the final few matches of the season. Novo has compiled a record of 9-6 overall this season.- staff reports

Gymnastics heads for NCAA Regional

The Arizona gymnastics team has to finish in the top two of the six teams at this weekend's NCAA Region III Championships in Lincoln, Neb.

If the Wildcats (11-8-1 overall, 6-5-1 Pacific 10 Conference) come in first or second they will advance to the NCAA Championships April 22-24 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

No. 25-ranked Arizona will be the No. 4 seed, facing off against No. 4-ranked Michigan, No. 7 and host school Nebraska, plus No. 22 Oklahoma, Illinois-Chicago and Illinois starting tomorrow at 5 p.m. Tucson time.

UA defeated Nebraska earlier this season 190.350-190.250 in a tri-meet at Washington, and the Wildcats also beat Oklahoma 195.575-194.625 in Tucson. They lost to Michigan 197.025-193.750 in Ann Arbor.- staff reports

UA soccer hosts spring tournament

Spring practice might have ended for the UA football team, but for the UA soccer team it's just beginning this weekend at an informal spring home tournament at Murphey Stadium.

The Wildcats will be in action Saturday afternoon at 2 against Northern Arizona and Sunday morning at 8 against Utah and at noon against New Mexico.

"This is a chance to get everyone in the game," assistant coach Bruce Caris said, "and get a look at the new players."

The Wildcats (3-12-2 overall in 1998, 0-7-2 Pacific 10 Conference) bid farewell to two graduating seniors, leading scorer Nikki Jones and defender Veronica Ramirez.

"There hasn't been a game to tell who's going to step up to fill Nikki's position," Caris said. "But (sophomores) Kim McGehee and Kristi Lorona have been doing well up there... and Marisa Padula, who's been out the past two years due to knee surgeries."

The Wildcats will also have four new faces out on the field in their newest recruits Chrissy Sanford, Naomi Chu, Tatiana Robertson and Ashlee Landon.

"I am sure we will see an impact in (defenders) Robertson and Landon," Caris said. "But not as an immediate effect as we will in the other two."- Kate Longworth

UA track team to compete at Sun Angel Classic

The UA track team will head to Tempe tomorrow to face competition from some of the elite teams in the country as well as professional athletes in the 20th annual Sun Angel Classic.

UA will compete against Texas Christian, Minnesota, Auburn and host Arizona State.

The field of professional competitors will feature eight former Olympians, including gold medalist Dennis Mitchell in the 200-meters. UA head coach Dave Murray said the Classic is always a competitive meet.

"Every year they bring some quality performers and some world class athletes to the meet," he said. "It should be very competitive this time, too."

UA high jumper Tara Flaming will make her return to competition this weekend after spending months out of action with an ankle injury.

"Tara competed in the first outdoor competition of the year and then she sustained the ankle injury," Murray said. "I'm really pleased she'll be back with us."

Still absent from competition is seven-time All-American Amy Skieresz. Although the leg injury she suffered during the cross country season has been rehabilitated, Skieresz has been experiencing problems with soreness in her other leg, Murray said.- Brian Wahlund