Odds Are It'll Be A Great Series

SI handicaps the eight teams in the double-elimination WCWS

CAL (3-to-2 odds) This senior-dominated starting lineup has it all: contact hitters, speed, defense and two aces, Kelly Anderson and Kristina Thorson.

TEXAS (2 to 1) If the light-hitting Longhorns can score even one run a game, they might ride the Cat Osterman Express to their first title.

UCLA (3 to 1) Conventional wisdom says you can't win it all with a freshman pitcher. Conventional wisdom has never met the Bruins' Anjelica (Jelly) Selden, who gives UCLA a shot at a third straight title.

MICHIGAN (7 to 2) Top-ranked for most of the year, the Wolverines have an explosive lineup and a stellar staff led by Jennie Ritter--but will the lack of regular-season competition doom them?

ARIZONA (5 to 1) Speed (Caitlin Lowe, Autumn Champion) and a power pitcher ( Alicia Hollowell) make the Cats dangerous despite their lack of a big stick.

TENNESSEE (8 to 1) The Vols brutalized Pac-10 co-champ Stanford in the Super Regionals, and if 6'3" ace Monica Abbott's left arm doesn't falter, they could make big noise.

ALABAMA (15 to 1) The team caught a break in the Super Regionals against injury-plagued Texas A&M, but with workhorse pitcher Stephanie VanBrakle and good hitters, the Tide has a chance to roll.

DEPAUL (25 to 1) The biggest surprise in Oklahoma City, the Blue Demons, Conference USA tournament champs, are a solid team led by senior first baseman Saskia Roberson.