Under coach Caitlin Lowe, Arizona softball has usually opted to play fall exhibition games against schools from lower divisions like the NAIA.
On Saturday Arizona challenged itself by playing GCU in Phoenix.
The result, a 6-1 win over a 10-inning game, should give the Wildcats some more confidence as they close out the fall season next week.
Arizona’s pitching was on display at GCU, with several arms factoring into the win.
Senior Jalen Adams, a transfer from Iowa, got the start and went three innings, allowing one run on a bloop single in the bottom of the second. That was the only run GCU would score in the extended game (GCU and Arizona agreed to play 10 innings prior to the start).
Indiana transfer Jenae Berry came in in relief in the fourth inning. Berry walked the first batter she faced. A 5-4-3 double play ended GCU’s threat in the fourth.
Berry allowed GCU to load the bases in the fifth by way of a walk and two singles. With two outs, Arizona brought in freshman Rylie Holder, who got Arizona out of the jam.
Arizona mostly kept GCU off the bases over the backstretch of the game (editor’s note: GCU didn’t keep live stats. Our Kim Doss did her best to provide real-time updates on her X feed).
The Wildcats’ first two runs came in the third on a two-out, bases clearing triple by Iowa State transfer Sereniti Trice.
Arizona added on in the seventh with an RBI single from freshman Sina Talataina. Sophomore Anyssa Wild hit a solo homer in the top of the 10th.
Tayler Biehl was Arizona’s top offensive catalyst on the day by going 4-5.
Arizona closes out its fall schedule when it hosts Pima on Friday at 6 p.m. MST.
Photos courtesy of Ryan Kelapire
