Here's how softball powerhouses Arizona, UCLA compare heading into tonight's game
Historically, Arizona-UCLA could be considered the softball version of the Duke-North Carolina basketball rivalry.
Comparing the two programs
Updated
Arizona second baseman Kristen Arriola stops a late throw as UCLA runner GiOnna DiSalvatore slides in safe in the fifth inning at Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium in Tucson, Ariz., Thursday May 13, 2010.
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
For the fifth straight year, the Arizona Wildcats will compete in the Super Regional, but will have to play on the road this time around.
Arizona will play Pac-12 rival UCLA in Los Angeles for a best-of-three series with the winner advancing to the Women's College World Series. Game one will be played on Thursday at 6 p.m., which will be televised on ESPN. It will be the first time both programs have faced each other in a regional setting rather than a regular season matchup or in the world series.
UCLA swept Arizona earlier this season, but throughout history, the two programs have shown to be arguably the two best college softball programs on the west coast. Check out how each program matches up with each other.
Pac-12 titles
Updated
Members of the UA women's softball team hold up the NCAA trophy after the Wildcats defeated UCLA to win the NCAA championship. The two teams competed in the Women's College World Series held in Oklahoma City.
Arizona: 11
UCLA: 10
Coaching history
Updated
Arizona head coach, Mike Candrea, marches onto the mound to have words with an umpire after his pitcher, Kenzie Fowler, is called for illegal pitches in the third innings during a game against Tennessee in the Softball Women's College World Series at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City. Tennessee won 9-0. Thursday June 3, 2010.
Arizona:
Mike Candrea (1986-present): 1,563-402-2 (.794)
Paula Noel (1981-1985): 103-93 (.525)
Rocky LaRose (1980): 23-23 (.500)
Ginny Parrish (1977-1979): 82-30 (.732)
Judy Spray (1974-1976): 45-18 (.714)
UCLA:
Kelly Inouye-Perez (2007-present): 401-122 (.767)
Sue Enquist (1997-2007): 484-119-1 (.803)
Sharron Backus & Sue Enquist (1989-1996): 403-56 (.878)
Sharon Backus (1975-1988): 451-117-3 (.794)
College World Series appearances
Updated
Arizona runner Lauren Schutzler beats the throw to UCLA second baseman GiOnna DiSalvatore in the third inning at Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium in Tucson, Ariz., Thursday May 13, 2010.
UCLA: 27
Arizona: 22
National championships
Updated
The UCLA bench celebrates a home run by Dani Yudin in the fourth inning.
UCLA: 11*
- 1982, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2010
Arizona: 8
- 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2006, 2007
*Most titles in NCAA softball
