2023 Arizona softball season preview: Depth in the circle, leadership at key positions has UA eying WCWS again
After reaching the Women's College World Series in head coach Caitlin Lowe's first season at the helm, the Arizona Wildcats softball team reloads in year two with another Oklahoma City trek as the prize.
(8) updates to this series since Updated
At first blush, neither Dawson nor Devyn Netz saw a future in Tucson — let alone together. But now, the University of Arizona baseball/softball siblings wouldn’t have it any other way.
Despite having only one returning pitcher on staff, Arizona has more pitching depth than it has in any of the last few seasons.
No challenge appears too big for Izzy Pacho. She has proved it over and over as a Wildcat.
When Ali Blanchard and Brianna Hardy visited the University of Arizona campus over the summer, it felt like coming home.
Despite standout seasons in 2022, Wildcats Allie Skaggs and Izzy Pacho have reworked their swings and stances heading into the '23 campaign, which starts Thursday against Long Beach State.
The Wildcats host a trio of showcase events at Hillenbrand Stadium this season, including the Candrea Classic (Feb. 10-12), Hillenbrand Invitational (March 3-5) and the Bear Down Fiesta (March 31-April 1). Hillenbrand is also home to the inaugural Pac-12 Softball Tournament, slated for May 10-13.
All-Pac-12 performers from a year ago returning to Arizona's lineup in 2023: infielder Allie Skaggs (second team), outfielder Jasmine Perezchica (third team) and Paige Dimler (all-freshman).
Izzy Pacho went 3 for 3 with five RBIs, including a first-inning grand slam, as Arizona trounced Long Beach State 9-1 in the season opener.
2023 Arizona Softball: Year 2 of the Caitlin Lowe era
Arizona softball head coach Caitlin Lowe talks with first baseman Carlie Scupin during preseason drills at at Hillenbrand Stadium, Tucson, Ari…