Tucson Regional in NCAA softball tournament features strong arms, home run hitters
The NCAA Regionals get underway Friday in Tucson, when Auburn and Colorado State meet at Hillenbrand Stadium at 6 p.m., followed by Arizona and Harvard.
Arizona Wildcats
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Arizona Wildcats infielder Jessie Harper takes a rip during an NCAA softball game between the UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats on Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles.
Seed: No. 1 (No. 6 national)
Record: 42-12 (finished third in the Pac-12 with 19-5 record)
Streak: Arizona has a one-game winning streak, is 5-5 in its last 10 games and 15-5 in its 20.
Coach: Mike Candrea (34th season; 1,605-416-2 record)
Top players: Reyna Carranco (.433 batting average); Jessie Harper (25 home runs, 64 RBIs); Alyssa Palomino-Cardoza (18 doubles); Taylor McQuillin (192 strikeouts, 1.59 ERA).
Auburn Tigers
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Seed: No. 2
Record: 37-19 (finished 10th in the SEC with 10-14 record)
Streak: Auburn has a one-game losing streak, is 3-7 in its last 10 games and 8-12 in its last 20.
Coach: Mickey Dean (second season; 78-36 record)
Top players: Casey McCrackin (.341 batting average); Kendall Veach (20 HRs, 48 RBIs); Alyssa Rivera (18 stolen bases); Chardonnay Harris (113 strikeouts); Makayla Martin (1.31 ERA).
Colorado State Rams
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Seed: No. 3
Record: 38-10 (finished first in the Mountain West Conference with an 18-6 record)
Streak: CSU has a one-game winning streak, is 7-3 in its last 10 and 14-6 in its last 20.
Coach: Jen Fisher (ninth season; 236-214 record)
Top players: Amber Nelson (.421 batting average, 48 RBIs, 17 doubles); Tara Shadowen (14 HRs); Jessica Jurecki (2.20 ERA); Bridgette Hutton (90 strikeouts).
Harvard Crimson
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Seed: No. 4
Record: 25-17 (finished fifth in the Ivy League with a 13-11 record)
Streak: Harvard has won five straight games, is 8-2 in its last 10 and 15-5 in its last 20.
Coach: Jenny Allard (25th season; 635-471-3 record)
Top players: Meagan Lantz (.333 batting average, 12 doubles); Rhianna Rich a (18 stolen bases); Katie Duncan (2.72 ERA, 98 strikeouts).
