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UA softball a perfect 6-0 at Fiesta Bowl Classic

PHOENIX-The UA softball team made a rather large statement this weekend at the Fiesta Bowl Classic Softball Tournament in Phoenix.

By outscoring their opponents 46-4 and defeating all six teams they faced, the Wildcats (8-1 overall) solidified themselves as one of the nation's best softball teams.

"I think there were a lot of positive things that came out of the weekend," head coach Mike Candrea said. "I think the overall effort was really good, I really do, I think everyone had their moments throughout the weekend."

The highlight of the weekend for No. 4 Arizona was yesterday's 3-0 victory against No. 3 Fresno State.

The game marked the first time the two powerhouses had squared off since the Bulldogs defeated UA 1-0 in the 1998 national championship game.

"There is a big rivalry between us and Fresno State," junior outfielder Nicole Giordano said. "Last time we saw them they were celebrating, so we were out for payback this game."

Junior pitcher Becky Lemke was brilliant in the circle as she threw a three-hitter and struck out eight Fresno State batters. The win was Lemke's fifth this season, three-of-which have been shutouts.

"Becky threw well and gave us a chance to win," Candrea said. "It's a good win for us, it is still early in the year...but I think we beat a quality team today."

Jennie Finch, a junior first baseman/pitcher, provided the lone offensive highlight by smashing a solo shot off Bulldog pitcher Kristen Hunter, which gave the Wildcats a 2-0 lead and a secure hold on the game.

Finch's dominance continued in the second game of the Wildcats doubleheader yesterday against UNLV as she threw a no-hitter for five and two-thirds innings, leading Arizona to a 10-1 victory.

"We are really happy with our pitchers and the way they are pitching," junior outfielder Lauren Bauer said. "We knew going into this season that we had two of the best pitchers in the country and they showed that this weekend."

The game was capped by Finch's two-run blast over the left field bleachers and ended the game in the bottom of the sixth inning because of the eight-run mercy rule.

"We are just coming out and playing hard, we do have a lot to prove after last year so we are just playing hard," Giordano said. "I think anyone can be beaten at anytime, it's not like we are unstoppable now, it was a long tough weekend but it was a good start to us."

Arizona also defeated No. 18 South Carolina in what was probably their most difficult game of the weekend.

The Wildcats prevailed behind a strong pitching performance by Lemke, who struck out five Gamecocks and gave up two earned runs in seven innings of work.

Finch singled in what proved to be the game winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning off South Carolina pitcher Megan Matthews.

Arizona's other three victories came in impressive fashion as they beat Texas A&M 9-0, Tennessee-Chatanooga 10-0 and Georgia 11-1.

Bauer led the way offensively as she had a team-high eight RBIs in the tournament, four of which came on a grand slam against Georgia.

"I feel real comfortable at the plate and I don't really care if I hit the ball or not as long as our team wins," Bauer said. "This weekend we played tough the whole time we were out there."

UA also got strong performances from junior third baseman Toni Mascarenas who was 10 for 20.

The key to the Wildcats success might have been that they came into the Fiesta Bowl Classic Softball Tournament with a chip on it's shoulder, feeling that they were not being respected across the country, after their somewhat disappointing season last year.

"The world thought Arizona was slipping away but we were just ready to go and prove to everyone that we can be at the top," Finch said. "This is only the beginning of the season and all that matters is whoever wins the last game."