Arizona Softball beats Missouri, advances to Super Regionals

COLUMBIA, MO – Continuing their hot play, Arizona Softball (36-20, 8-16) has advanced to their  16th Super Regionals appearance following their 1-0 win. 

Arizona Softball has been rolling since entering the NCAA Tournament, whipping Illinois in game one to open NCAA Tournament action before shutting out host Missouri in game two to advance to the regional finals.

Returning to action on Sunday afternoon, the Wildcats would have another big challenge on their hand as they took on Missouri, but luckily, Arizona was ready!

Once again, the offense was a bit limited plating just one run, courtesy of Sharlize Palacios when she belted a solo home run in the fifth inning to break the 0-0 tie.

However, the bigger story was once again the dominant pitching performance from the Wildcats. This time turning to Devyn Netz, she was masterful, throwing a complete-game shutout as she held Missouri to just two hits while striking out three.

Turning into a pitcher’s duel, luckily Arizona Softball was able to get a run late, securing the win and advancing to the NCAA Super Regionals.

Fresh off of a big win over Illinois and Missouri, Arizona returned to action again for Sunday’s finale as the Wildcats turned to starter Devyn Netz in this one.

Carrying over the dominance that Hanah Bowen displayed in games one and two, Netz was just as dominant, holding a prolific Missouri offense to zero runs on just two hits.

However, like the previous game, this one would turn into a pitcher’s duel as Arizona and Missouri battled back and forth for much of that game. That is until Sharlize broke things open in the fifth.

Entering the inning tied, Palacios came to the plate as the lead-off batter. Battling as she took the at-bat to a 1-2 count, Sharlize would turn on the next pitch that sailed to left-center to give the Cats the 1-0 lead.

Luckily, that is all the offense that Arizona would need in this one as the Wildcats would shut the door on the Tigers, coming away with the 1-0 win!

Where does Arizona Softball go from here?

With the win, Arizona improves to 36-20 (8-16) on the year and advances to their 16th Super Regionals appearance. The Wildcats will return to action next weekend when they take on Mississippi State!