The Arizona Wildcats wrapped up fall ball Friday morning with a 15-2 win over UNLV. Head coach Caitlin Lowe got to see what she has for the spring, but things could change between mid-November and early February. What did the staff and players learn in their four intrasquad scrimmages and five games against other programs?
“I think from our first red and blue to today, I’ve been insanely just proud of the growth that this team has had,” Lowe said. “We’ve had, in a lot of ways, a whole new infield.
Some of the same personnel, but everybody in a different spot. A lot of young players come in, and a lot of transfers come in. So it was kind of finding our identity and what that looks like. I think we’ve gotten so much better, and at the same time, I don’t think we’ve scratched the surface. So my challenge to them is what we’re going to do with the next couple months that we’re working solo, and then everybody’s at home and what are they doing? Because I think the growth has happened fast and at the same time, we could throw that all away or we could kind of continue to work now that we know what it looks like.”
Kez Lucas is finding her power
It took Kez Lucas some time to find her feet against Division I pitching during her freshman year. She finished with a .267 batting average and .465 slugging percentage. She had 23 hits and struck out 21 times. Her power was limited to two doubles and five home runs in 39 games including 33 starts.
Lucas looks much more powerful this year. She has moved across the field to play third for the Wildcats, although she did play a few innings at first against the Rebels. She is also sending the ball out of the park at a much higher clip.
Lucas finished the fall practice games with five home runs including a two-run shot in Friday morning’s game. Four of the five came against Division I pitching.
“I think when she’s freed up, she hits with anyone in the country,” Lowe said. “She’s one of the best. So I think it’s just a matter of where her mind is at any given moment, whether it’s in practice or game situations. And I know when she’s locked in, she’s going to do damage. So it’s really just making sure that space between the ears stays controlled.”
The pitching rotation is taking shape
Arizona has primarily used Ryley Harrison, Jenae Berry, and Lilly Hauser in the circle this fall. Rylie Holder saw some time, as well, although she didn’t play this week. That quartet looks like they will get the bulk of the innings this year.
“I think we all bring different things to the table,” Harrison said. “You know, we feed off each other differently through Naenae throwing super great with off speeds, and then we have other people that throw more up in the zone, down in the zone, things like that. So I think we all just complement each other well.”
Hauser has been coming back from a meniscus tear, so she got a late start on the season. Since coming back, she’s played on both sides of the ball. The freshman said it was very important to her to get pitch and hit at the college level.
Harrison looks like she will lead the staff. The former South Alabama star seems to be making a smooth transition. On Friday, she threw the first four innings for the Wildcats. She gave up one run on one hit in the first, but proceeded to sit the Rebels down in order the next three innings.
The senior gave way to Berry, who then was relieved by Hauser. Berry allowed one baserunner on a walk in the fifth, but she kept UNLV off the board with two strikeouts and a groundout. Hauser threw the final two innings. She allowed one run on three hits while striking out three. All three hits were singles.
The trio of possible returners
That rotation could look different if the Wildcats are able to bring back three stars from last year’s team. Pitcher Jalen Adams and catcher/utility players Sydney Stewart and Grace Jenkins are playing a wait-and-see game regarding coming back next year. None of the trio is involved in a lawsuit, but they are hoping they can get another year of eligibility based on what’s happening with last year’s seniors in softball and other sports.
“We are taking it in stride day by day and kind of observing what’s happening around the country at this point,” Lowe said. “And if the opportunity becomes available, great. You know Grace and Stew were going to be grad managers anyway, so for us it didn’t change a whole lot. Jalen wanted the opportunity, and I love her for that. And I think the greatest thing for our team has been it’s been excellent just having them at practice every day, having them around the girls, and competitively having them in drills and being able to compete in our Red-Blue scrimmages.”
Defensive versatility
Arizona has moved players around the field for the last several years. That’s not going to change this season. Several players saw time at multiple positions this fall.
Lucas played primarily at third, but she also played first and caught a little bit. Freshman Madi Babasa saw time at first, second, and left field. Tele Jennings patrolled right field and first. Hauser got time in the circle and at first. Addison Duke played left and center.
“The depth is incredible…It can be our strength for this entire year if everybody is very accepting of what their role looks like,” Lowe said.
