Arizona Softball advances to the NCAA Super Regionals

TUCSON, AZ – Using late-game heroics, Arizona Softball (39-13, 12-10) came away with the 12-6 victory over Ole Miss to advance to the Super Regionals. 

It wasn’t necessarily the prettiest game for the Wildcats, but all that matters is surviving and advancing, and that’s exactly what Arizona Softball did as they squared with Ole Miss on Sunday afternoon.

Falling behind early, things would look bleak for Arizona as Ole Miss struck first, scoring four runs in the first and added another two runs in the third to lead 6-0 at that point. Luckily for us, the Cats wouldn’t go quietly in this one.

Arizona Wildcats

Needing runs and quickly, Arizona’s offense would finally come alive in the fourth inning when Malia Martinez homered to centerfield, scoring Giulia Koutsoyanopulos to make it 6-2. A couple of batters later, Jessie Harper would get in on the action as well, singling to left to score Janelle Meono and cut Ole Miss’ lead in half.

However, the real story was Arizona’s offensive explosion in the fifth inning to regain the lead and take control of this one. Still down three entering the inning, the Wildcats would use some timely hitting, uncorking for eight runs to jump out in front 11-6.

If that wasn’t enough, the Wildcats would add an insurance run in the sixth inning when Harper would double up the middle to score Reyna Carranco to make it 12-6. Despite Arizona’s dominant lead, the Rebels would still have two innings at that point to manufacture some offense.

After replacing Hanah Bowen early in the game, the Wildcats would rely on Mariah Lopez to close things down for the Cats. Luckily, she would shut the door on Ole Miss, keeping the Rebels in check, and helping to deliver the win as she improved to 9-2 on the season.

As Arizona Softball comes away with the win, an important Super Regional series with Arkansas awaits the Wildcats.

With Arizona advancing to the Super Regionals, the Wildcats will have to get ready for a tough series in Fayetteville against Arkansas.

• Game 1: May 28, 2021 – 4:00 PM on ESPNU
• Game 2: May 29, 2021 – 2:00 PM on ESPN 2
• Game 3: May 30, 2021 – 6:00 PM on ESPN 2 (If Necessary)

Watch the Wildcats’ press conference following their series win over Ole Miss…