What we’ve learned from Arizona Softball and their road ahead

Through two tournaments (The Hillenbrand and The Wildcat) and 10 games, we have seen a dominant Arizona Softball team that currently ranks No. 3.

As the Arizona Softball team has dominated in their start to the 2021 Softball season, we have seen:

(1) Senior Leadership, Experience

(2) Depth

(3) Very Strong Freshman Class

(4) Power and Consistent Hitting

(5) Consistent Winning Pitching

Arizona Wildcats

Outscoring their opponents 89 to12 and Run-Ruling their opponents 8 times in 10 games. The Cats have now won 21 straight games, currently the longest streak in NCAA Softball.

However, a broken thumb injury to Senior starting second baseman Reyna Carrano has forced the always confident Junior Hannah Bowen to step in at second base. Bowen is no stranger to this role, having done the same in 2019, and even Bowen delivered clutch hits in the 2019 Regionals and Super Regionals.

Freshman Allie Skaggs has also seen action at second base due to the injury to Carranco, playing in four games and starting in two. Carranco is expected to be out 4-6 weeks.

Senior Leadership – Besides the mentoring, which is evident, the enthusiasm all of the Seniors provide to the underclassmen is awesome when teaching and showing the Arizona way.

High Standards and Tradition of Arizona Softball remains consistent as the Wildcats see immense success to start the 2021 season.

Now, let’s look at some Senior numbers.

• Dejah Mulipola, C: 18 RBI, (which leads the PAC-12) 12 Runs, Batting Avg .444, Slugging Percentage .926, second only behind Carlie Scupin.
• Alyssa Palomino-Cardoza, CF: 10 RBI, 13 Runs, Batting Avg .433
• Alyssa Denham P: 4-0 in the circle, 0.29 ERA
• Mariah Lopez P: 3-0 in the circle, 1.84 ERA
• Jessie Harper SS: 7 RBI, 11 Runs, Batting Avg .300
• Reyna Carranco 2B: 1 RBI, 4 Runs, Batting Avg .286 (5 games played)
• Malia Martinez 3B: 10 RBI, 8 Runs, Batting Avg .393

Depth – Six players including starters are available in the Outfield. This allows Coach Mike Candrea to use different line-up variations and with a high number of Double Headers on the schedule, having depth is a huge plus.

Freshman Class– Tucsonan Freshman Superstar Carlie Scupin has had a tremendous start to her career, leading the team in Slugging Percentage at 1.000, with 17 RBIs (second behind Mulipola), a .375 batting average to go along with five Home Runs. Carlie hits moon shots that get out of the park in a hurry, and she is only now scratching the surface of her overall potential.

Devyn Netz has seen limited action at first base, however, she is 1-0 in the pitchers’ circle, picking up the win against Southern Utah.

Freshman Janelle Meono has been excellent, boasting a .571 batting average including a double. Meono and Isabella Dayton both have speed and are a threat on the base paths against any team.

Sharlize Palacios has seemingly been the go-to Designated Player and currently has five, multi-hit games, 11 RBI’s, and a .400 batting average.

Overall, the Freshman are very strong from top to bottom!

Hitting – Power and Consistent Base Hits. The Team Batting Avg is .420. (for players meeting minimum requirements) including 20 Home Runs to date. Overall, when you talk batting, it’s been a Hit-Fest usually line drives and hard-hit ground balls straight up the middle.

Pitching – It doesn’t appear that Candrea has established a standard pitching rotation. He might choose not to and make his pitching decisions based on match-ups and rest. Here is the pitching break-down by wins & losses: Denham 4-0, Lopez 3-0, Bowen 2-0, Netz 1-0

A Look Ahead

Arizona Softball will embark on a seven-game road trip to Florida as follows:

MAR 6 (SAT) 11:00 AM MST @ SOUTH FLORIDA
MAR 7 (SUN) 11:00 AM MST @ SOUTH FLORIDA
MAR 8 (MON) 1:00 PM MST @ UCF

MAR 9 – Travel Day

MAR 10 (WED) TIME TBD @ FLORIDA A&M
MAR 11 (THU) 4:00 PM MST @ FLORIDA STATE
MAR 12 (FRI) 4:00 PM MST @ FLORIDA STATE
MAR 13 (SAT) 4:00 PM MST @ FLORIDA STATE

The three games with No. 15 ranked Florida State looks to be the biggest test on this long road trip prior to starting Pac-12 play on March 19th at No. 5 ranked Washington. The Cats will play Washington in Seattle for four games March 19th – 21st, Saturday, March 20 playing a Double Header.

Here is some guidance regarding how to watch away games from the Arizona Athletics Department.

"“Most road games will be streamed or televised. Live video coverage of games away from Hillenbrand is up to the host institution. We do not hold the rights to road games, but most schools we play will provide a stream, or the game will be covered by TV”."

According to the online Florida State Softball Schedule, the ACC Network Extra will broadcast the games against FSU March 11th – 13th.

Jessie Harper All-Time NCAA Home Run Record Update

Harper has hit two Home Runs so far in the 2021 season. She needs 18 to break the record, currently held by Lauren Chamberlin who has 95 all time.

Arizona Softball is off to a solid and impressive start to the 2021 season, and there is plenty for an Arizona Softball fan to be excited about. As always, Bear Down, Arizona, and Go Cats!

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