Arizona Wildcats
Overall Rank: #2
Conference Rank: #2 Pac-12
It is rare when the Wildcats don’t end up in Oklahoma City and last year was one of those rare occasions, being eliminated in the Super Regional by Oklahoma. The 2011season marked the second time since 1987 that Arizona failed to reach the WCWS. The other season, 2004, Larry Ray was the interim head coach while head coach Mike Candrea coached the United States to a gold medal at the Olympics.
2011: 43-17, 11-10
2011 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Mike Candrea
Field Players:
Candrea told his players after being eliminated in the Super Regional last season that changes would be made and he followed through, reducing the roster from 20 to 15. Four starters return around ace pitcher Kenzie Fowler including Lini Koria (.295, 15 homers), Bridgette Del Ponte (.337, 17 homers), Karissa Buchanan (.401, 11 stolen bases) and second baseman Kristen Arriola (only eight errors in 61 games). Newcomers include outfielder Hallie Wilson and catcher Chelsea Goodacre. Shortstop Shelby Pendley is coming off an off-season knee injury and figures to be a factor. Big losses were Stacie Chambers (20 homers, 71 RBIs), Lauren Schutzler (.402) and Brittany Lastrapes (.401). Tennessee transfer senior Jessica Spigner will add power to an already potent offensive attack. She blasted 17 homers and had a .714 slugging percentage and can play first or third and even pitch if needed, considering she was a standout pitcher in high school in California.
Pitchers:
Fowler (26-8, 1.76 ERA) is hoping to have an injury-free season and lead the Wildcats back to the World Series. Working with her is the team’s new pitching coach, Stacy Iveson, who is replacing Teresa Wilson. Fowler carries a career 1.67 ERA and after two seasons and is already seventh on Arizona's career strikeout list with 614 and ninth on the Wildcats' career victories list with 64. Fowler will look to bounce back from a season hindered by injuries and return to her freshman form in which she was considered one of the 10 worthy players nationwide for USA Softball Player of the Year. She and teammate Del Ponte are on the preseason watch list for 2012. Sophomore Shelby Babcock is also back after struggling last year and having to carry the workload following Fowler’s injury and Candrea is hoping she will be more consistent this year. She was 17-8, but had a high ERA (3.98).
Who To Watch:
Spigner can play either corner of the infield and could end up at first base. She has played the game at a high level and brings a lot of stability to the infield and will be counted on to deliver in the power department. Fowler returning to her freshman season form will be a plus for the Wildcats and trouble for the opposition.
Final Projection:
Candrea is determined to get to Oklahoma City and contend for another national title. He has good flexibility and depth. Candrea has never had a team not qualify for the World Series in two consecutive years and this team won’t be the first. Candrea feels this team is deeper than last year and his goal is to find the best nine and put them out there. Offense will be one of the strengths of this team. The Wildcats had its worst fielding percentage in 2011 (.969) since 1999 (.963) and will certainly improve in 2012.
Projected Postseason: NCAA
Returning Leaders:
At Bats: Brigette Del Ponte, INF, 181
Hits: Brigette Del Ponte, INF, 61
Home Runs: Annie Lockwood, INF, 17
RBIs: Brigette Del Ponte, INF, 59
Runs: Brigette Del Ponte, INF, 53
Stolen Bases: Karissa Buchanan, OF, 11
Wins: Kenzie Fowler, P, 26
Innings Pitched: Kenzie Fowler, P, 207.1
Strikeouts: Kenzie Fowler, P, 237
Saves: Kenzie Fowler, P, 2
