(Photo via Nicole Mullen/WCSN)
After starting the season 11-2, Arizona State Softball looks to continue its winning ways this weekend as they host the Sun Devil Classic in Tempe at Alberta B. Farrington Softball Stadium.
In the Sun Devil Classic, the Sun Devils will face off against New Mexico (7-10) and Charlotte (9-4) on Friday, Michigan State (6-8) and Boise State (7-7) on Saturday, and Houston (9-7) on Sunday.
ASU hopes to continue its explosive hitting. The Sun Devils have 25 total home runs in their first 13 games and are batting .344 as a team. They’ve also been able to outscore their opponents 84-40 and outhit their opponents 116-71. Another key to the Sun Devils success has been their pitching and defense, as their opponents have an on-base percentage of just .399.
This season there have been a couple of players who have established themselves as essential for ASU’s high-level of play. The first player is senior infielder Jordyn Vanhook. She has a batting average of .462 and an NCAA-leding nine home runs. The next player making an impact is graduate outfielder Yannira Acuña, who has a batting average of .455 and 20 hits.
Friday’s matchup against New Mexico will be the first time these two teams have met since 2021. Despite holding a losing record, the Lobos have been able to keep up with several Power Five schools this season. When the Lobos win, they win big, but if they lose, they lose big. A player look out for on New Mexico’s team is junior outfielder Maddie Boldt. Boldt has 13 RBIs and three home runs, making her a threat with runners in scoring position.
When ASU takes on Charlotte for its second game on Friday, it will be the first time the two sides have ever met. Similar to New Mexico, this Charlotte team has suffered some close losses to Power Five squads. They’ve even been able to beat a couple of them, including Georgia and South Carolina. The 49ers excel at hitting the ball and putting runners on base. Graduate outfielder Bailey Vannoy leads the charge offensively with 13 RBIs and five home runs.
Michigan State enters this weekend in a bit of a slump, as the Spartans have lost their last four games heading into Tempe. The Spartans also lack power at the plate, hitting just five home runs through their first 14 games. Nontheless, senior third baseman Jessica Mabrey has been a leader for the Spartans, recording a team-high 12 hits.
The second on Saturday against Boise State will be the first time the Sun Devils and Broncos have faced off since 2020. Similar to Michigan State, Boise State is on a losing streak, as they have lost their last three games. Boise State is also 1-6 against Power Five struggles opponents this season. A bright spot for Boise State has been junior outfielder Jordyn Hutchins. She has 11 hits and 14 RBIs on the season.
The Houston Cougars have a winning record but have struggled against Power Five teams. Houston has done a good in the circle, limiting opposing teams to just nine homers this season. A player that has contributed to the Cougars’ success is sophomore utility player Turiya Coleman. Coleman has a batting average of .500 and three home runs.
Coming into this weekend the Sun Devils hold a seven-game winning streak. They’ll look to add to it and build momentum in their last round of non-conference games before beginning Pac-12 Conference play the following weekend.
