A way-too-early look at Arizona's 2019 softball roster
The Arizona Wildcats fell short of the Women's College World Series, but there's good news for longtime coach Mike Candrea: most of his best players are expected to return in 2019.Β
Wildcats' roster to return mostly intact
Updated
Arizona coach Mike Candrea gathers with his team following their 4-3 victory.
Arizona was swept from the NCAA Super Regionals by UCLA, capping an up-and-down season from one of softball's traditional superpowers. Fortunately for longtime coach Mike Candrea and the UA, many of the team's best players are expected to return in 2019. That group includes sluggers Jessie Harper and Alyssa Palomino and pitcher Taylor McQuillin, who is expected to anchor the Wildcats' rotation again.Β
Here's a look at what Arizona's roster may look like at the start of next season:Β
Incoming freshmen
Updated
Ironwood Ridge shortstop Isabel Pacho, right, greets infielder Maddie Judge during practice. Pachoβs coach, Dave Martinez, calls her βa complete captain.β
Incoming freshmen (5): Utility player Ali Ashner; pitchers Marissa Schuld and Vanessa Foreman; outfielder Riley Kuderca; catcher/infielder Isabel Pacho.
Sophomores
Updated
Arizona's Ivy Davis (14) comes home to a celebration after hitting a walk off grand slam to end the game against Oregon State 9-1in the bottom of the sixth inning at Hillenbrand Stadium in Tucson, AZ., on April 29, 2018
Sophomores (7): Infielder Hannah Martinez; outfielders Taryn Young, Carli Campbell and Jenna Kean; utility player Ivy Davis; catcher Lexi Harrington; pitcher/infielder Hannah Bowen.
Juniors
Updated
Arizona's Alyssa Palomino celebrates at second after scorching a line drive off the glove of the Saint Francis second baseman in the NCAA Regional, May 18, 2018.
Juniors (6): Infielders Alyssa Palomino, Reyna Carranco, Malia Martinez and Jessie Harper; catcher Dejah Mulipola; pitcher Alyssa Denham.
Seniors
Updated
Arizona pitcher Taylor McQuillin (18) leaves the field past Mississippi State after winning 4-3 to advance to the Super Regional.
Seniors (4): Catcher/first baseman Hillary Edior; pitcher Taylor McQuillin; first baseman Joelle Krist; designated player Tamara Statman.
