(Photo: Liesl Babicka/WCSN)
The Arizona State Sun Devils and Arizona Wildcats have always had animosity for one another. This rivalry can grow more intense when both teams are both two of the best teams in the country. The Wildcats are currently ranked as No. 13 team in the country just behind ASU who is ranked No. 8.
There is no love lost between these two teams. Arizona was able to take two of three games last season against the Sun Devils in Tucson.
Senior pitcher Breanna Macha has seen her fair share of Territorial Cup moments over her Sun Devils career.
“This rivalry is just huge no matter what sport you are in,” said Macha. “I think It just goes to show it’s more than what it seems.”
Head coach Trisha Ford and the Sun Devils will look to rebound after losing two of three this weekend to Oregon. However, Ford mentioned she could see a difference in energy this week during practice.
“I think there is a heightened energy. You can feel a different pulse I would say around the field. It is rivalry week. It is a fun time,” said Ford. “It’s what is so great about college athletics. I think these rivalries that have existed for many, many years and to get to be a part of it is very fun.”
Arizona has had its recent struggles against top-ranked opponents of then No. 5 Oregon and No. 4 UCLA. The Wildcats went 0-6 in their matchups against those Pac-12 teams but have since rebounded with two wins against New Mexico State this week.
Taylor McQuillin has been the ace for the U of A pitching staff this season racking an 18-8 record in 30 appearances. She has limited hitters to a .167 batting average this season, racking up an impressive 195 strikeouts overall.
ASU will look to contain redshirt sophomore Alyssa Palomino who has been on a tear for the Wildcats this season. Palomino is currently batting .417 with 49 total hits and 14 home runs, all team leaders.
Arizona State has their own brand of fire attack to bring to the Wildcats.
Danielle Gibson has been a star in her freshman season with the Sun Devils will bring her own .416 batting average, 11 home runs and 32 RBIs to the Territorial Cup matchup. Gibson already can feel the intensity between the two schools in this being her first Territorial Cup.
“You hate other Pac schools, but this is different,” said Gibson. “Being able to play in a rivalry game where we have our whole student section, it’s just going to be super fun to compete and have that little bit of edge against them.”
ASU will need to lean on G Juarez in this rivalry set if the Sun Devils look to overpower Arizona. Juarez had one of her worst performances of the season last weekend against Oregon. She allowed five runs on just six hits in a loss to the Ducks last Friday. Juarez answered the bell in her next start against the Ducks where she looked more familiar, allowing zero runs on just three total hits in seven innings of work.
“There is a bit more eagerness for this series,” said Juarez. “I think the most exciting thing is just playing here for me.”
Arizona has five players including Palomino who are currently batting over .300 on the season. Infielder Jesse Harper is a dangerous asset at the Wildcats disposal with 13 home runs and a team-leading 41 RBIs.
Senior leader Marisa Stankiewicz summed up the series best.
“It is a feeling like none other. It is electric, it’s crazy,” said Stankiewicz. “The crowd gets involved, 942 Crew is here and it’s just good softball.”
The Sun Devils will look to secure a Territorial Cup point against Arizona beginning Friday, April 20, at 5:00 p.m. at Farrington Stadium in Tempe.
