Your 2021 Season preview for Arizona Softball

After a canceled 2020 season that extended their already long off-season, the Arizona Softball team is finally set to soon return to action!

It has been a long time since Arizona Softball last played in a game, so let me take you back to March 10, 2020. I was at Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium or as many prefer to say, The Rita on a cool Spring evening watching the Cats play Saint Joseph’s.

Hoping that this game would not be the last I would attend in 2020, however, there was a buzz was in the air, as fans were discussing the Corona Virus. Is it real, what is the threat, how long will it last, did you use hand sanitizer?

Arizona Wildcats

On the day of the game and recent days leading up to the game, there had already been several major events around the country canceled and there was on-going discussion by the Pac 12 if the Men’s Basketball Tournament in Las Vegas was going to be canceled.

I was happy that I got through the gates and arrived at my seats on the 3rd baseline and was ready to soak up the environment, relieved that any cancellations were made. I knew it could be the last game of the season, and unfortunately, days later, the 3-game homestand against Oregon State to start conference play never happened.

The Saint Joseph’s game, which UofA won convincingly 11-5, we saw Hannah Peanut Martinez go 2 for 2, knocking in 3 RBI, a walk, and scoring 2 runs. I remember exiting the gates and wondering if the Oregon State series was going to get canceled, and indeed it was along with the entire schedule.

So let’s recap the shortened 2020 season. Arizona went 22-3 before their season was cut short due to the Corona Virus. The three losses were to top talent and were close games including an extra-inning (10-inning) thriller at home against the No. 2 ranked Oklahoma Sooners.

Their biggest wins were over an always tough No. 8 ranked SEC Alabama team. The Cats showed how tough they were going late into the night, beating the Crimson Tide in two, consecutive games on the road still early in the season.

Reyna Carrano was 2 for 4 and scored a run leading the way as the Cats won 2-1. In the second game, Malia Martinez led the way having a huge night going 3 for 4, 3 RBI, to include the game-winner in the final inning.

Arizona enters the 2021 season led by legendary Coach Mike Candrea once again with very high goals. I will let the Cat out of the bag, but this team will be talented. They have a lot of returning seniors who will lead by example, having the experience, abilities, and cohesion to make it back to Oklahoma City.

Led by Seniors, catcher Dejah Mulipola, pitchers Mariah Lopez and Alyssa Denham, 2nd baseman Reyna Carranco, shortstop Jessie Harper, 3rd baseman Malia Martinez and the player I feel to be a National Player of the Year Candidate Center Fielder Alyssa Palomino-Cardoza.

Here is a look at a possible starting line-up that I put together.

1. Alyssa Palomino-Cardoza, SR, CF
2. Reyna Carranco, SR, 2B
3. Jessie Harper, SR, SS
4. Dejah Mulipola, SR, C
5. Malia Martinez, SR, 3B
6. Carlie Scupin, FR, 1B
7. DP (multiple options) Palacios, Bowen, Perezchica
8. Peanut Martinez, JR, RF
9. Bella Dayton, FR, LF

• Lopez and Denham 1-2 punch from the squared circle. Bowen is available as the No. 3 pitcher and in relief.
• I look for Junior Hannah Bowen to be utilized in various ways. She has experience in the postseason and can be used as a pitcher, 2nd baseman, or DP.

Freshman Class Notes 

Arizona bolsters a strong and athletic group of freshmen. Here are some of the things Mike Candrea had to say about his freshman class. Fitting in well, hard-working, athletic, power speed, play the game at a high level and quality kids physically, ethically, and hard-working that fit the Arizona model.

Candrea also said that the freshman competed very well against high-level senior pitching during Fall Camp. When asked specifically about freshman and Tucson High School graduate Carlie Scupin, Candrea said this about her efforts during Fall Camp “Impressed me probably as much as anyone this fall, with her ability to hit good pitching, doesn’t strike out a lot, hits monster shots, she’s a strong athletic kid”.

Other Notes of Interest 

Taylor McQuillin is back as a graduate assistant. She will be able to mentor all players but she can particularly help the pitching staff with the skills required to throw off-speed pitches.

Jessie Harper needs 20 home runs to break the NCAA career home runs record, currently held by Lauren Chamberlin who has 95 all time.

Two sisters, identical twins are on the team. Freshmen Sophia Carroll, Infield and Aris Carroll, infield. Both were ranked highly nationally as recruits.

Now, we wait on the 2021 schedule to be released. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!