Arizona Softball’s Wildly Successful Record-Setting Weekend

The Oregon-Arizona softball series at Hillenbrand Stadium was on everyone’s radar, and the series did not disappoint. 

The Arizona Softball team made a national statement by winning the series against the Ducks while the ‘Cats home run record was broken.

Until two weeks ago, both Oregon and Arizona were tied on top of the Pac-12 standings; neither had lost a conference game. Arizona then got a jump on Oregon when the Ducks lost two against the always-tough UCLA Bruins.

The Wildcats lost their first two Pac-12 games last week at Utah. Arizona barely remained in first place alone, and Utah’s successful weekend pushed the Utes ahead of Oregon for second place coming into this weekend. With Oregon stumbling a little, the Ducks felt a series win in Tucson would right the ship and possibly propel them back to first place.

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In other news, Arizona’s senior third baseman Katiyana Mauga sat at 86 home runs entering the game Friday, one shy of Stacie Chambers’ record of 87 home runs set in 2011. Barring injury, the odds had it the Arizona record would be broken over the weekend, even though Oregon’s pitchers are tough.

To add more drama to the match-up, it was a family affair for the Mercado sisters, with Danica playing right field for Oregon and Mo at shortstop of the Wildcats.

Their family members were in town sporting a mix of the four school colors as they watched the sisters battle it out. Mom had a shirt on that said “MERCADO” with the A as the Arizona insignia and the O as the Oregon insignia. Clever.

As if these story lines weren’t enough, Friday’s game started with an emotional scene. Arizona was standing along the field awaiting the ceremonial first pitch. A soldier made his way to the pitcher’s circle and suddenly Ashleigh Hughes, right fielder for the Arizona Wildcats, realized it was her brother who she hadn’t seen in two years!

After the tears, hugs, and smiles, the Wildcats took the field and got to work. Due to an Oregon error, they scored one crucial run in the first inning. Little did the team know at that time they were in for a pitchers’ dual. The Wildcats went on to win 2-0 while getting a critical and record-tying insurance run.

Saturday’s matchup on a hot Tucson afternoon was broadcast on ESPN2. What a great opportunity for the east coast media to see the beautiful west and of course, Pac-12 softball. You know, the conference with the most softball national titles. This game was much different than Friday night’s low-scoring affair.

The Ducks jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. That didn’t deter the Wildcats, who scored five runs to take the lead in the second inning. From there on both teams hit, walked, ran, and knocked the ball out of the park score after score. Arizona was able to maintain a slight lead inning by inning. And then there was another Wildcat homerun.

https://twitter.com/SInow/status/855918809345134592

Mauga set another record on Saturday. No other softball player has hit at least 20 home runs in all four seasons. Mauga’s 88th homerun was her 20th of the season. Always composed, she appeared a bit emotional as she jumped on home plate after running the bases. Here she is as she’s leaving the field following the game.

After 100 pitches, starter Taylor McQuillin was lifted for senior and the Friday/Sunday starter Danielle O’Toole. Immediately O’Toole gave up a 2-run home run. After the inning, McQuillin was overheard in the dugout taking some of the blame. She told O’Toole she should have shared with her how Danica Mercado was hitting the rise ball, which Mercado knocked out of the park off O’Toole. Eventually, Arizona took a 10-7 lead and held on to win the game.

Eventually, Arizona took a 10-7 lead and held on to win the game. The win reflected a complete team effort, everyone doing what they could to fill in the blanks and clinch the series.

Sunday’s game was a pitchers’ duel again, with Oregon coming out on top 4-3. Still, the Wildcats remain in first place in the softball bloodbath called the Pac-12.

Next Friday the School Up North Comes to town for Senior Weekend. This is the final time Tucsonans can see this special team. Head out to Hillenbrand and catch at least one game.

Must Read: Busy Week for Arizona Basketball

Thanks, Holly Rowe for giving Tucson some love. Yes, we have the best fans because we have the best school in the best conference. Bear Down Arizona Softball and Beat ASU.