The Arizona Wildcats softball team wrapped up their season after getting swept by UCLA in a best-of-three series. In Mike Candrea's 33rd season at the helm, UA finished 43-16 and will graduate just three seniors.
Check out the best photos from the action during the 2018 season. All photos were taken by Arizona Daily Star photographers.
Oregon State at Arizona softball
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
Arizona vs. Arizona State softball
Alyssa Palomino (32) of the Arizona Wildcats is dunked with a Gatorade bath following the Wildcats' 4-2 win against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Farrington Softball Stadium on Sunday, April 22, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
Arizona vs Mississippi State
Arizona’s Ivy Davis slides around Mississippi State catcher Mia Davidson as she scores Sunday in the second inning of their NCAA regional game at Hillenbrand Stadium. Arizona won 4-3 and heads to the Super Regionals in Los Angeles with the victory.
Arizona vs Mississippi State
Arizona players visit the fans after winning their NCAA Tucson Regional Softball Finals game against Mississippi State.
Arizona vs Mississippi State
“It was a wonderful day,” said UA coach Mike Candrea of his team’s last home game before Hillenbrand gets a face lift.
Arizona vs Mississippi State
Arizona’s Ivy Davis finds her way around catcher Mia Davidson to score one of the Wildcats’ three runs in the second inning of their victory over visiting Mississippi State.
Arizona vs Mississippi State
Arizona pitcher Taylor McQuillin, back, celebrates with outfielder Ashleigh Hughes following Sunday’s win. McQuillin didn’t allow a hit and walked only one in pitching the final 5º innings of UA’s 4-3 victory.
Arizona vs Mississippi State
Arizona’s Dejah Mulipola beats a throw to second baseman Calyn Adams from the outfield for a double during the third inning of the Wildcats’ 4-3 win over Mississippi State.
Arizona vs Mississippi State
McQuillin leaves the field after earning the win in relief Sunday. She entered after Alyssa Denham had allowed three solo home runs.
Arizona vs. Arizona State softball
Arizona’s Hannah Martinez (2) and teammates put on their rally caps in the top of the seventh inning against ASU at ASU Farrington Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. on April 20, 2018.
University of Arizona vs North Dakota State
Arizona starting pitcher Taylor McQuillin, right, gets her high-fives after a tossing a complete-game, two-hit shutout against North Dakota State in their NCAA Regional on Saturday. Arizona can advance with a win at Hillenbrand Stadium on Sunday.
University of Arizona vs North Dakota State
Arizona’s Jenna Kean slides in for a double as the throw eludes North Dakota State’s Montana DeCamp. Kean, a freshman, went 4 for 4 at the plate Saturday and scored two runs in the Wildcats’ NCAA Regional win over the Bison.
University of Arizona vs Saint Francis
Arizona infielder Jessie Harper grabs her helmet in preparation for the celebrations at the plate after lacing a solo homer to left against Saint Francis in the fourth inning of their NCAA Regional at Hillenbrand Stadium on Friday night.
University of Arizona vs Saint Francis
Starting pitcher Taylor McQuillin struck out eight in Arizona’s NCAA Regional win over Saint Francis on Friday night to earn her 28th victory of the season.
Arizona WIldcats softball
UA takes on Saint Francis in the NCAA Regionals on Friday, when pitcher Taylor McQuillin will take on the Red Flash bats.
Arizona WIldcats softball
Alyssa Denham preps for the Tucson Regional, where the UA is also paired with Mississippi State and North Dakota State.
Oregon State at Arizona softball
Oregon State’s Michelle Sass comes up short trying to catch a foul ball in Sunday’s game against Arizona. The Wildcats won 9-1 to finish off a three-game sweep of the Beavers.
Oregon State at Arizona softball
Arizona’s Jessie Harper just beats Oregon State second baseman Michelle Sass’ tag for a double in the third inning of UA’s victory.
Oregon State at Arizona softball
Arizona's Ivy Davis (14)launches a grand slam shot to end the game against Oregon State 9-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning at Hillenbrand Stadium in Tucson, AZ., on April 29, 2018
Oregon State at Arizona softball
Arizona starting pitcher Taylor McQuillin (18) went the distance in the win over Oregon State in their game at Hillenbrand Stadium in Tucson, AZ., on April 29, 2018
Oregon State at Arizona softball
Arizona catcher Dejah Mulipola (8) makes the play to first base following Oregon State Michelle Sass' (4) short chopper during their game at Hillenbrand Stadium in Tucson, AZ., on April 29, 2018
Oregon State at Arizona softball
Arizona shortstop Jessie Harper (19) turns back for a ball selected off the third baseman's glove during their game against Oregon State at Hillenbrand Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., on April 29, 2018 in Tucson, AZ.
University of Arizona vs Oregon State
An eerie moon rises over Hillenbrand in the early going of the University of Arizona's softball game against Oregon State, Tucson, Ariz., Saturday, April 28, 2018.
University of Arizona vs Oregon State
Arizona third baseman Malia Martinez settles under a short pop-up Saturday for an out during the fourth inning of the Wildcats’ fifth straight win.
University of Arizona vs Oregon State
Arizona’s Aleah Craighton tracks down a fly ball hit to the gap Saturday night at Hillenbrand Stadium. She hit a homer for the second straight day.
Arizona Wildcats vs. California Golden Bears college softball
Arizona pitcher Alyssa Denham (22), center, laughs with infielder Jessie Harper (19) after Arizona sewed up the victory over the University of California Golden Bears college on March 31, 2018, at Hillenbrand Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona won 7-3.
Arizona Wildcats vs. California Golden Bears college softball
Arizona has been inspired by coach Mike Candrea’s geese metaphor — the birds fly further and stronger as a team — to make a run toward the postseason.
Arizona vs. Arizona State softball
UA’s Taylor McQuillin struck out 10 and walked just one, but gave up a fourth-inning HR and a seventh-inning walk-off double.
University of Arizona vs New Mexico State
Arizona’s Dejah Mulipola is one of three Wildcats with at least 10 home runs and leads the Pac-12 with 14.
University of Arizona vs New Mexico State
Alyssa Denham pitches in a doubleheader against New Mexico State, when the UA snapped a six-game losing streak.
University of Arizona vs New Mexico State
Arizona's Ivy Davis (14) gets plunked in the back during at an bat against New Mexico St. to put two runners on in the fifth inning of their game at Hillenbrand Stadium, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs New Mexico State
Arizona left fielder Carli Campbell comes dashing in to make a catch on a sinking liner in the fifth inning of the second game Wednesday. UA snapped a six-game losing streak by beating New Mexico State twice.
University of Arizona vs New Mexico State
Arizona starting pitcher Taylor McQuillin (18) ducks out of the way of first baseman Alyssa Palomino (32) who makes the catch on a blooper by New Mexico St. batter Nikki Butler (11) to make the last out of the Wildcats 7-3 win in the first of two games at Hillenbrand Stadium, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Lousiana-Monroe
Arizona second baseman Reyna Carranco is hitting .367 with two homers and 21 RBIs this year. She’ll wear a facemask in the field for two more weeks as her nose continues to heal.
Arizona Wildcats vs. California Golden Bears college softball
Arizona right fielder Aleah Craighton (3) is congratulated by head coach Mike Candrea after she belted a solo homer to center during the second inning of the University of Arizona Wildcats vs. University of California Golden Bears college softball game on March 31, 2018, at Hillenbrand Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona won 7-3.
Arizona Wildcats vs. California Golden Bears college softball
Arizona infielder Malia Martinez (17) pivots and fires to nail Cal’s Taurie Pogueat first base during the fourth inning.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona’s Taylor McQuillin has become one of the nation’s top pitchers as a junior. She’s 16-1 with a 0.75 ERA and 136 strikeouts in 103 innings. She’ll face No. 1 Washington on Friday.
University of Arizona vs South Dakota
Arizona’s Alyssa Palomino, center, uses the Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood song “Something Bad” to put her opposition on notice.
University of Arizona vs Lousiana-Monroe
Arizona starter Alyssa Denham is 2-0 with a 0.37 ERA in three games so far this season. Overall, the Wildcats are 8-1 entering play at the Mary Nutter Classic in Palm Springs.
University of Arizona vs Lousiana-Moroe
Arizona’s Reyna Carranco flashes the “WC” Wildcats hand signs as she trots home on her solo homer in Game 1.
University of Arizona vs Lousiana-Moroe
Arizona’s Jessie Harper gets the traditional helmet pounding her fly ball to right cleared the fence for a two run homer against Louisiana-Monroe in the fifth inning of their game at Hillenbrand Stadium, Saturday, February 17, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Stanford
Arizona first baseman Jessie Harper (19) makes an over the shoulder grab along the fence in foul territory, running down a pop-fly by Stanford’s Victoria Molina in the fourth inning of their game at Hillenbrand Stadium, Saturday, April 8, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA Softball
Alyssa Palomino will likely start at first base for Arizona. She had surgery to repair a torn ACL in May and is “95 percent” recovered, coach Mike Candrea says.
UA Softball
Mike Candrea said the Cats ‘want to play some games’ after practicing against each other. The UA will face Northwestern and Oklahoma State on Friday.
Univeristy of Arizona softball
Ashleigh Hughes is expected to lead off for the Arizona Wildcats this weekend at the Hillenbrand Invitational. She hit in the No. 9 hole for much of the 2017 season.
Arizona UCLA Softball
Arizona Wildcats infielder Malia Martinez (17) shares words with teammates pitcher Taylor McQuillin (18) and outfielder Alyssa Palomino (32) during an NCAA softball game between UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats on Friday, May 25, 2018, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. UCLA won 3-2. (Photo by Ringo Chiu / Arizona Daily Star)
Arizona UCLA Softball
The Arizona Wildcats faught off several injuries en route to another postseason appearance, but fell short of advancing to the program’s first Women’s College World Series in eight seasons. UCLA ended the Wildcats’ season in the Super Regionals.
Arizona UCLA Softball
Arizona Wildcats utility Ashleigh Hughes (28) a fly ball during an NCAA softball game between UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats on Friday, May 25, 2018, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. UCLA won 3-2. (Photo by Ringo Chiu / Arizona Daily Star)
Arizona, UCLA Super Regionals Game 2
Arizona Wildcats infielder Malia Martinez (17) hits the ball during an NCAA softball game between UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats on Friday, May 25, 2018, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. UCLA won 3-2.
Arizona, UCLA Super Regionals Game 2
Arizona Wildcats utility Ashleigh Hughes (28) fails to hit the ball during an NCAA softball game between UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats on Friday, May 25, 2018, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. UCLA won 3-2.
Arizona, UCLA Super Regionals Game 2
Arizona Wildcats celebrate after the first inning during an NCAA softball game between UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats on Friday, May 25, 2018, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. UCLA won 3-2.
Arizona, UCLA Super Regionals Game 2
Arizona Wildcats starting pitcher Taylor McQuillin (18) throws the ball during an NCAA softball game between UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats on Friday, May 25, 2018, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. UCLA won 3-2.
Arizona, UCLA Super Regionals Game 2
Arizona Wildcats infielder Reyna Carranco (5), celebrates with teammates infielder Jessie Harper (19) and outfielder Alyssa Palomino (32) during an NCAA softball game between UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats on Friday, May 25, 2018, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. UCLA won 3-2.
Arizona, UCLA Super Regionals Game 2
Arizona Wildcats starting pitcher Taylor McQuillin (18) throws the ball during an NCAA softball game between UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats on Friday, May 25, 2018, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. UCLA won 3-2.
Arizona, UCLA Super Regionals Game 2
Arizona Wildcats outfielder Alyssa Palomino (32) celebrates after tagging out UCLA Bruins infielder Kylee Perez (8) during an NCAA softball game between UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats on Friday, May 25, 2018, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. UCLA won 3-2.
Arizona, UCLA Super Regionals Game 2
Arizona Wildcats react after lost to UCLA Bruins during an NCAA softball game between UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats on Friday, May 25, 2018, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. UCLA won 3-2.
Arizona, UCLA Super Regionals Game 2
UCLA Bruins infielder Briana Perez (3) slides safely into the second base before Arizona Wildcats infielder Jessie Harper (19) catches the ball during an NCAA softball game between UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats on Friday, May 25, 2018, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. UCLA won 3-2.
Arizona UCLA Softball
Arizona Wildcats infielder Jessie Harper (19) slides into the second base before UCLA Bruins infielder Briana Perez (3) catches the ball during an NCAA softball game between UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats on Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. UCLA won 7-1. (Photo by Ringo Chiu / Arizona Daily Star)
Arizona UCLA Softball
UCLA Bruins outfielder Aaliyah Jordan (23) slides safely into the third base before Arizona Wildcats infielder Malia Martinez (17) catches the ball during an NCAA softball game between UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats on Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. UCLA won 7-1. (Photo by Ringo Chiu / Arizona Daily Star)
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