Arizona’s softball team hasn’t advanced to Oklahoma City for the College World Series since 2010, and it’s largely because coach Mike Candrea hasn’t been able to find an ace pitcher to lead them there.
Arizona found a new ace in 2016 and, as a result, nearly made it back to Oklahoma City.
Danielle O’Toole won 26 games overall in 2016, but saved her best performances for last.
O’Toole pitched in every postseason game for UA, winning her first four in a row with a 1.34 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 26⅓ innings. Arizona wasn’t able to close it out, falling to Auburn in three games in the Super Regionals.