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UA out to bash DePaul

The UA softball team doesn't like to look ahead but with a game against No. 15 DePaul looming this weekend, the Wildcats are seeking revenge.

The Blue Demons defeated Arizona 1-0 in last year's College World Series.

The loss marked the first time since 1990 that the Wildcats hadn't played in the NCAA championship game.

"I am looking forward to playing DePaul because the last time we played them, of course they beat us," junior outfielder Nicole Giordano said. "So I feel like we have a much more solid team this year and we are a lot better all around and I think we have a better chance of going out and sticking it to them."

No. 3 Arizona plays DePaul in the first game of the 2000 'Bama Bash in Tuscaloosa, Ala. today. The tournament is hosted by the University of Alabama.

The Wildcats are scheduled for three other games in addition to the game against the Blue Demons. The other three UA opponents are Drake later today, and No. 20 Alabama and Georgia Tech tomorrow.

Sunday's games are put into elimination rounds, with semifinals and a championship game.

Reigning Pacific 10 Conference Player of the Week sophomore first baseman/pitcher Jennie Finch will lead Arizona in the 2000 'Bama Bash.

Finch leads the Wildcats in homers with seven, RBI with 22 and has a batting average of .487.

Also providing power for UA is junior shortstop Allison Andrade and catcher Lindsey Collins, who each have four home runs.

The Arizona offense has outscored its opponents this year, 122-10.

"I am just looking forward to playing some teams," junior outfielder Lauren Bauer said.

Junior pitcher Becky Lemke will lead the Wildcats in the circle. Lemke has an 8-1 record with a 0.65 ERA, striking out 62 batters in 54 innings of work.

In addition to her powerful plate presence, Finch has also been solid in the circle with a 6-0 record, including a 0.63 ERA with 38 strikeouts.

Lemke and Finch are the first pair of Arizona pitchers to throw no-hitters in the season since Carrie Dolan and Nancy Evans accomplished the feat in 1995.

"It is going to be a tough tournament," UA head coach Mike Candrea said. "DePaul was our nemesis last year."