When the Oregon State softball team takes the field at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium this morning to take on Arizona, it will be a first of sorts.

While it is true that the Beavers have never competed in the NCAA’s version of the Women’s College World Series, that doesn’t mean they haven’t been to the big dance before.

Oregon State made four consecutive appearances in the AIAW/ASA Women’s College World Series from 1977-81.

They finished 12th in 1977, ninth in 1978, seventh in 1979 and fifth in 1980.

Their appearance in 1977 under coach Rayne Brooks was the first trip to a national tournament by an Oregon State women’s athletic program.

In 1979, one of the teams that advanced was Texas Women’s University. Leading the way in the circle was Kathy Arendsen, the current University of Oregon coach.

Arendsen was an impressive 33-3 that season heading into the World Series, and hadn’t allowed an earned run in 375 innings, according to the press release from the tournament.

All-America honors

Oregon State sophomore utility player Cambria Miranda was named to the Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-American team on Wednesday.

Miranda is second on the team with a .323 batting average. She leads the team with 16 home runs, which ties the single season record set by Tarrah Beyster in 2000.

Junior pitcher Brianne McGowan was named to the third team.

McGowan, a first-team pick last year, carries a 29-7 record into the WCWS. She has a 1.30 ERA and has allowed two runs in the last 34 innings of regional and Super Regional play.

She has allowed six runs in six games of postseason play so far.

McGowan is the second OSU player to be named all-america more than once. Beyster was honored four times.

Seven Pacific-10 Conference players were named to the first team.

Oregon State will likely face second-team selection Alicia Hollowell in today’s opener against Arizona. Caitlin Lowe and Kristie Fox were first-team selections for Arizona.

Six of the eight teams that reached the WCWS had first-team selections.

Pac-10 dominance

Pac-10 teams have won 18 of the 24 NCAA titles, and have four teams in the field of eight.

Three of the teams are in the same bracket.

UCLA has won 11 titles, followed by Arizona with six. Cal has the other title.

After winning five titles in seven years, the Wildcats have won just one (2001) since 1997.