Paige Adair is an Aztec from Aztec.
Pima College’s ace pitcher grew up in Aztec, New Mexico, and went to Aztec High School. Pima coach Armando Quiroz used the Aztec connection to recruit the freshman to the Tucson college, she said. Only two American colleges carry the nickname Aztecs — San Diego State and Pima.
“It was fate. It was destiny,” Quiroz said. “And her high school colors were orange.”
That fate has helped transform the 5-foot-2-inch Adair into Pima’s top pitcher.
The Aztecs split a doubleheader with Arizona Western College on Tuesday. Adair started both games, pitching a complete game in the 6-0 win and throwing for the first 6ª innings of a nine-inning, 11-8 loss.
Adair has started six of the Aztecs’ seven games. She’s pitched 41ª innings, allowed 30 hits and struck out 54. The freshman has an ERA of 1.22, which Adair said she would like to lower, and a 5-0 record.
The Aztecs (5-2) will play three games in the Great Western Shootout Tournament, which begins Thursday in Yuma.
Adair said she’s no stranger to throwing complete games. She actually prefers it that way.
“In high school I always threw complete games. I never really got pulled out unless the other team was really on me,” Adair said. “I love throwing complete games. I want complete games all to myself.”
Quiroz calls her a “bulldog.” ”
College softball has proved to be a lot different than high school, Adair said. For one, it’s faster. And it’s tougher.
“College lineups are 1-9. Every girl I have to focus on — every batter,” Adair said. “It’s not like in high school, where I can slack off a batter and just blow it by. I have to focus on every batter.”
Quiroz said he’s not worried about the Adair’s learning curve as she keeps transitioning to college.
“The more work she gets, the better she’s going to get. And she works really hard at practice,” Quiroz said.
“Those things will take care of themselves. She’s facing better caliber hitters than she did in high school, but she stood right up to them.”
Adair said she would like to continue playing at a four-year university, and has her eyes set on Arizona. Really, she just wants to play softball for as long as possible, she said.
Adair is one of only two true pitchers on the Aztecs’ roster. While Quiroz said he’s lacking in depth in pitching, he’s happy with the two pitchers he has.
The Aztecs’ second pitcher, freshman Alese Casper of Utah, also serves as a utility player. Casper has pitched 8º innings in two games and has a 0-2 record.
“She’s a big defensive player for us, a leadoff batter, so she does it all,” Quiroz said. “She’s our other pitcher and she’s very good as well.”
Quiroz said it’s still really early in the season, but hopes the team can continue building off their success.
“We got off to a really good start and we’re happy with the progress they’ve made,” Quiroz said. “This team works really hard.”
