Arizona State Sun Devils
Overall Rank: #4
Conference Rank: #2 Pac-12
Arizona State Team Page
The Arizona State Sun Devils have been one of the top teams in the country since Head Coach Clint Myers took the helm before the 2006 season. Under his seven years of leadership, the Sun Devils have reached the WCWS six times and won two National Titles. With 858 wins as a college softball coach, Myers is sure to cross the 900 plateau this spring. His teams are always solid in all phases of the game, ranking among the top ten nationally in numerous statistical categories including batting average (6th, .326), scoring (3rd, 6.75), home runs per game (7th, 1.39), slugging percentage (4th, .548) and fielding (7th, .976). The 2013 Arizona State squad will, like its predecessors, have one of the biggest rosters in the country with 27 athletes: 13 letter winners, a sophomore returner, 11 freshmen and two transfers.
2012: 53-11, 18-4
2012 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Clint Myers, 8th Season
Field Players:
Junior Alix Johnson hit .395, collected 60 hits, 13 doubles, 13 home runs and 53 RBI. The 5’10” outfielder earned NFCA All-American honors for her performance. Centerfielder Elizabeth Caporuscio finished her rookie season with a .324 batting average, 60 hits and 51 RBI. The sophomore was named Second Team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 All-Freshmen team. Bailey Wigness, another outfielder, hit .396, scored 41 times, knocked in 14 and stole 11 bases. The junior was named All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention. Sophomore Amber Freeman hit .346, bashed 12 homers and drove in 41. She started 57 games behind the plate and was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman team.
Pitchers:
Junior Dallas Escobedo followed up her dream freshman season with a solid sophomore campaign. The 6’0” righty finished 24-8 with a 2.32 ERA. She was First Team All-Pac-12. Mackenzie Popescue, also a junior, went 7-2 last season in 51.2 innings. She posted a 2.30 ERA.
Who to Watch:
Florida transfer Cheyenne Coyle joins the Sun Devils for 2013. In 2011 she was named to the Women's College World Series All-Tournament team and SEC All-Freshman team. The infielder helped the Gators reach the Women's College World Series in 2011 where the Gators played in the Championship Series. Coyle started 56 games during 2012 with 28 runs scored, 33 hits and 10 home runs.
Final Projection:
As usual the Sun Devils are loaded with quality talent at the plate and in the circle. Coach Myers will find an outstanding nine from his large cadre. If history is any indication, the 2013 Arizona State team will also be formidable. Expect Coach Myers’ crew to compete for the Pac-12 title, reach the NCAA Tournament and have a good chance to return to OKC for the seventh time in eight years.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Softball Tournament
Returning Leaders:
At Bats: Elizabeth Caporuscio, CF, 185
Hits: Elizabeth Caporuscio, CF, 60; Alix Johnson, OF, 60
Home Runs: Elizabeth Caporuscio, CF, 16
RBIs: Alix Johnson, OF, 53
Runs: Alix Johnson, OF, 54
Stolen Bases: Bailey Wigness, OF, 11
Wins: Dallas Escobedo, P, 24
Innings Pitched: Escobedo, P, 211.0
Strikeouts: Escobedo, P, 237
Saves: Escobedo, P, 4
Madness 2013 Softball Recruit Rankings:
#7 Nicole Girard
#41 Jennifer Soria
#113 Allie Butterfield
See All Softball Top 44 Team Previews
