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Arizona Softball’s O’Toole Pitches Her First Collegiate No-Hitter Against Washington

By Peggy McClain

Jun 30, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Arizona Wildcats fans cheer during the first inning against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in game three of the College World Series championship series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 30, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Arizona Wildcats fans cheer during the first inning against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in game three of the College World Series championship series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona softball fans were treated to a gem at Hillenbrand Stadium Friday night, as senior Danielle O’Toole pitched a no-hitter to lift No. 5 Arizona over No. 6 Washington.

Wildcat fans were still reeling from basketball’s unexpected exit the night before from the Sweet Sixteen. The series against the Huskies reminded fans that there are still plenty of exciting sports and athletes at Arizona to root for this semester.

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Arizona scored two runs in the bottom of the first. At that time, it appeared the game might turn into an offensive battle. But Washington’s starting pitcher, Taran Alvelo, settled down and kept any more runs from scoring until the 6th inning. That’s when sophomore DP Tamara Statman hit a solo home run to lead off the sixth inning, Alvelo was on a short leash.

Meanwhile, O’Toole kept the Huskies from crossing home plate. Quietly she climbed closer to her newest accomplishment, but the pressure was building because the Huskies came into the game third in the country in offense. While O’Toole normally keeps her emotions in check, she was clearly excited after the final out.

After the game, O’Toole was interviewed by the Pac-12 Network. She gave all the credit to the defense. She said she knows if she’s in a jam her teammates will step up and get her out of trouble. She giggled as she told the reporter her mom was at the game and got to see her first no-hitter.

Arizona’s ace was still a hot topic of conversation during Saturday’s game. The Pac-12 Network gave O’Toole a set of headphones and had her revisit the historic night. She also shared that she and Saturday’s pitcher, Taylor McQuillin, constantly share strategy and advice on the opposing batters.

Next: Must Read: More Arizona Basketball

It’s early in the Pac-12 season, so there will be more exciting personal achievements for Danielle O’Toole. She will be the first to tell everyone it’s all about the Arizona Softball team, not about her. We wish O’Toole, and the entire squad continued success this season and Bear Down.

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