The University of Arizona softball team’s season is about to get into full swing as they host the Candrea Classic. From Feb. 6 to Feb. 9, Arizona will house Michigan State University, the University of Alabama, the University of Washington, and Western Michigan University for a fantastic few games. 

The series name comes from the most winning coach in college softball, former Wildcat Mike Candrea. The Wildcats will hope to start their season on a high note with a successful first weekend of the season.

Michigan State University will be their first opponent playing at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Feb. 6. The Wildcats have double duty against the Spartans to open the classic. This is Arizona’s first time competing against Michigan State in both programs’ histories. 

Friday, Feb. 7th is a full day of softball from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Arizona will close out the day with the University of Washington at 5 p.m. and Western Michigan University at 7 p.m.

The Huskies, a former Pac-12 opponent, have a history with the Wildcats playing a total of 119 total matchups. In their past ten games together, Arizona has won only three of those matchups. Two of which came in their last two games.

This is the Broncos’ first game against the Wildcats since 2020. Arizona’s total record against Western Michigan is 9-0 since 1987.

Saturday, Feb. 8th holds the Wildcat’s first big challenge of the season, the No. 11 University of Alabama. The Crimson Tide have an almost split series with Arizona winning 11 out of their 21 total match-ups. The last time Arizona beat Alabama was Feb. 2020 in Tuscaloosa. Since then, the past four matchups have been losses for the Wildcats. Including a loss in the 2021 Women’s College World Series opener. 

Their final game will come on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 11:30 a.m. with a rematch against the University of Washington. This will also serve as the final game of the Candrea Classic.

All games of the Candrea Classic can be streamed on ESPN+.

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