Arizona Softball earns a spot to host the Regionals

TUCSON, AZ- As the No. 6 Arizona Softball team (42-12, 19-5) finished the regular season, now the focus turns to the NCAA Tournament!

Things are heating up in Tucson, and no I’m not referring to the weather! No, instead I’m referring to the Arizona Softball team.

Fresh off a HUGE series win over then No. 3 ranked UCLA (46-5, 20-4), the Wildcats certainly capped their regular season in a big way, but now the stakes get even higher, as the Wildcats will prepare for postseason play.

Arizona Wildcats

On Sunday, as the tournament selections were made, the Wildcats sat cozy knowing their name would be called for an NCAA record, 33rd straight season. However, the question is where.

Well, as the teams have been announced, the Wildcats have earned the No. 6 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, and are also a No. 1 seed for the NCAA Regionals round. As a result, Arizona will host the first few rounds of action in Tucson yet again!

Joining them here in the ‘Ol’ South West’ will be Auburn (37-19, 10-14), Colorado State (38-10, 18-6) and Harvard (25-17, 16-5).

Yikes, not the easiest bracket, however, if Arizona is going to make the Super Regionals and potentially the College World Series, they’re going to need to rely on their veteran pitching, as well as their powerful hitting.

So far this season, Arizona has largely relied on Taylor McQuillin, as the senior has compiled a 20-7 record, with a 1.59 ERA. Not far behind her is Alyssa Denham, who is 11-5 on the year, with a 2.12 ERA.

While a great offense is incredibly beneficial, however, when it comes to winning close games, strong pitching matters, and it seems like Arizona has it! Overall, the Wildcats have the seventh lowest ERA as a group, and are holding opposing teams to a .183 batting average!

Arizona will start the tournament by facing Harvard on Friday evening, and if they win that game, the Wildcats would then face the winner of Colorado State/ Auburn.

Should the Wildcats win three games in the tournament, they will likely host the winner of the Ole Miss/ Oxford Regional!

Either way, we are excited to see the return of postseason softball and can’t wait to cheer on our Cats! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!