The two expect to see each other at least twice during this week's five-team Paradise Classic at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium. The first salvo between No. 14 Long Beach State and No. 22 Hawaii will be fired at 10 a.m. Saturday.

"We'll be facing some tough teams this weekend," said Wahine catcher Tia Morenz. "Saturday's our biggest day because of our rivalry with Long Beach State.

"But our pitchers are throwing well. Kelly Gentle is our ace. Stephanie (Wiese) is coming along and Jill (Jameson) has stepped it up."

The Wahine (4-0) will need to step it up across the field if they hope to make a dent in the 49ers' series advantage. Long Beach State leads the 10-year-old series, 33-18, including outscoring Hawaii, 10-1, in three wins last season.

But before the Wahine can think about the 49ers, Hawaii has to focus on its two opponents tomorrow: Santa Clara (0-8) and Texas-San Antonio (2-0).

UH meets the Broncos at 6 p.m., followed by an 8 p.m. game with the Roadrunners. The Wahine also face Loyola Marymount (3-5) at noon Saturday.

The tournament opens with tomorrow's 10 a.m. game between Santa Clara and Texas-San Antonio. The championship game is at 4 p.m. Sunday.