The 2011 National Champions are paving the way for another championship run.
After going 3-1 in the Tempe Regional last week, the Arizona State softball team now moves onto host the super regional against Louisiana-Lafayette. A team the Sun Devils faced earlier this season at a tournament in Fullerton and lost.
“They are a great team,” explained senior shortstop Katelyn Boyd. “They got us the first time around but were not really dwelling on that, it’s definitely motivation for us to come out and kick some butt this weekend.”
Like in last season’s championship run, ASU will look to lights out pitching from sophomore Dallas Escobedo. She was given the ball three times during the Tempe regional, striking out 27 batters total and moved her record to 22-5 on the season.
“Mainly focusing on every pitch as best as it can be and make sure I am at my top game,” said sophomore pitcher Dallas Escobedo when asked about her mentality on the mound in close games.
A big key for the Sun Devils is the fact that they once again get the opportunity to play on their home field. A place where they are 40-3 this season.
“It’s extremely helpful having the comfort of being at your home field in front of your home fans,” Boyd mentioned. “If the world series could be held here that would be great too!”
However, playing away from home is not something the Ragin Cajuns are afraid of. They have only lost two games on the road this season.
Game one of this best of three series begins Thursday at 7:00 p.m. from Farrington Stadium in Tempe.
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Jared Cohen
A born and bred Arizonan, Jared has had great passion for the hometown teams all his life. He now channel's that passion into covering the pro, college and high school teams around the state as a Multimedia Reporter for Sports360AZ.