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We’re about a month away from the start of Arizona Wildcats softball season, so we got to speak with head coach Mike Candrea and a few players before Thursday’s practice to get their thoughts on the upcoming year.
Watch what they had to say.
Head coach Mike Candrea
Junior pitcher Taylor McQuillin
Context: The left-hander is poised to be Arizona’s ace, replacing Danielle O’Toole who graduated after last season.
ULL transfer pitcher Alyssa Denham
Context: The right-hander transferred in from Louisiana-Lafayette after being the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. She figures to be a big part of UA’s rotation.
Sophomore shortstop Jessie Harper
Context: After a stellar freshman season at first base, Harper is moving to her natural position at shortstop.
ULL transfer outfielder Aleah Craighton
Context: Like Denham, Craighton arrives from Louisiana-Lafayette (their coach was fired amid allegations of verbal and physical abuse). The senior is a two-time All-American outfielder, and will likely be one of Arizona’s best players in 2018.
Arizona softball opens its season on Feb. 9 in Tempe against Northwestern.