Next opponent: Wildcats

Both UA and Alabama come in on winning streaks as both swept their opponents in the regionals and Super Regionals. However, Alabamas is actually quite a bit longer. The Crimson Tide hasnt lost since April 17 to Florida, and are 18-0 since then.

Alabama, behind Montana Fouts, eliminated Arizona in 2019. Fouts (25-3) is still around and still one of the best pitchers in the country, with a 1.49 ERA. She threw two shutouts in the three-game regionals and struck out 28 batters in 14 innings. She struck out another 11 batters against Kentucky in a Super Regional win.

None of that intimidates the Wildcats.

Alabama's Montana Fouts, center, celebrates her win over UA two years ago in Oklahoma City. The Wildcats are looking forward at another chance to face her Thursday.

I dont think you ever forget a loss that a team gives you, UAs Jessie Harper said of Fouts three-hit shutout in that 2-0 win over the Wildcats two yeas ago.

I definitely remember it its etched in there (she points to her head). I wont forget it. We are definitely just going to come out and just play our game. I think thats really the key. Im really excited, its going to be a very fun experience.

With both teams hot at the moment, Candrea said when you get to the WCWS, its really about you not your opponent.

Right now, its really not necessarily the opponent but how you play, and, if you execute the game in the circle and you execute the game offensively and defensively, then you got a chance to play with anyone, Candrea said.

Excerpt from:
Not going out that way: Cats motivated by missing last year's WCWS due to COVID-19 - Arizona Daily Star