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Ohio infielder/designated player, Annalia Paoli (3), throws the ball during a game against Western Michigan at Ohio Softball Field, April 21, 2024, in Athens.

Softball: Prepare for Ohio’s start of the season with the Elon Softball Classic

The Bobcats got off to an astounding start last weekend in Elon, North Carolina, as they swept their competition in the Elon Softball Classic. Ohio went 4-0, with its biggest win being an 18-14 eight-inning thriller against UConn. 

Ohio will get back on the road and travel even farther this weekend, heading to Tucson, Arizona, for the Bear Down Fiesta, hosted by Arizona. Jenna Hall and her team will play five games this weekend against three opponents, so let’s take a look at this weekend for Ohio softball. 

Series Information

Opponents: Cal State Fullerton, South Alabama, No. 15 Arizona

Times: Friday at noon, Friday at 2:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m., Sunday at 11 a.m. 

Location: Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium (Tucson, Arizona)

Where to Watch: FloSports, ESPN+

Game One and Five: Cal State Fullerton

2025 Record: 4-1 overall.

Head Coach: Gina Oaks Garcia (1st season)

Statistical Leaders

Batting Average: Sarah Perez (.643)

Hits: Perez (9)

On-Base Percentage: Perez (.643)

Home Runs: Colby McClinton (1) 

RBIs: Ava Arce (10) 

Innings Pitched: Leanna Garcia (13.1)

Strikeouts: Garcia (14) 

ERA: Eva Hurtado (0.00)

The Titans are routinely one of the best mid-major teams in college softball, and this season is no different as they are also off to a hot start, losing only one game to No. 3 Oklahoma. The sophomore duo of infielder Sarah Perez and pitcher Leanna Garcia has been tearing through teams this season, and Ohio will need to shut them down for a better chance at winning.

Game Two and Three: South Alabama

2025 Record: 4-1 overall.

Head Coach: Becky Clark (19th season)

Statistical Leaders

Batting Average: Caitlyn Gavin (.417)

Hits: Gavin (5)

On-Base Percentage: Megan Davidson (.533)

Home Runs: Gabby Stagner (4)

RBI: Gavin, Stagner (7)

Innings Pitched: Ryley Harrison (16.1)

Strikeouts: Harrison (14)

ERA: Harrison (2.14)

Becky Clark is one of the longest-tenured coaches in the country and has been the only head coach for South Alabama since the program’s start in 2005. She has earned many accolades over that time, and this season could be another impressive campaign as the Jaguars are also 4-1 to start the season. They will face their first tough test this weekend against a ranked Arizona team and two very good mid-major programs in Cal State Fullerton and Ohio. 

Games Four: No. 15 Arizona

2025 Record: 5-1 overall.

Head Coach: Caitlin Lowe (4th season)

Statistical Leaders

Batting Average: Kaiah Altmeyer (.667)

Hits: Dakota Kennedy (12)

On-Base Percentage: Altmeyer (.773)

Home Runs: Devyn Netz (3)

RBI: Netz (10)

Innings Pitched: Netz (12)

Strikeouts: Netz (17)

ERA: Miranda Stoddard (0.60)

Arizona has earned the No. 15 ranking that it currently has this season after beating Michigan State twice and No. 11 Alabama this past weekend. After not playing last season due to an injury, redshirt senior Devyn Netz has been on fire at the plate and on the mound this season, giving the Wildcats a real two-way threat this season. 

@CharlieFadel

cf111322@ohio.edu

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