“`html

UA Run-Rules Ole Miss, Setting Up Winner-Take-All Game for Tucson Regional Crown

Arizona Softball

Source: Arizona Daily Star

Thrilling Victory in the Tucson Regional

In an electrifying matchup on Sunday, the Arizona Wildcats showcased their immense talent and resilience by defeating Ole Miss with a decisive 10-1 victory in the NCAA Tournament’s Tucson Regional. This victory not only propelled Arizona into a winner-take-all final against the same Rebels but also demonstrated the Wildcats’ capacity to rebound from a previous loss in the tournament.

Dominant Performance Against Ole Miss

After a rough start in their first encounter with Ole Miss, where they succumbed to a 10-8 defeat, the Wildcats came out swinging in the rematch. Over the course of just four innings, they tallied a staggering 10 runs, with significant contributions from standout players. Sydney Stewart hit a three-run homer in the first inning, marking her second home run of the regional and tying her with teammates for the season high at 19 homers.

Arizona’s performance continued to impress as Kaiah Altmeyer blasted a two-run shot in the fourth inning, solidifying the win and placing Arizona firmly within run-rule territory. The Wildcats posted an impressive 6 for 9 performance with runners in scoring position, a marked improvement from the previous games where they struggled significantly.

Standout Contributions from Key Players

It wasn’t just the batters who shined; Miranda Stoddard played a pivotal role as a pitcher throughout the tournament. She not only secured the victory against Grand Canyon with a 4-1 win but also kept Ole Miss at bay, allowing only one run while striking out two batters in the decisive game.

Arizona coach Caitlin Lowe expressed her pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing how they turned around their initial struggles during the tournament. “The way we responded today was incredible. Everyone pulled together when it mattered most,” Lowe noted after the game.

NCAA Tournament Journey Continues

The Wildcats have a storied history in NCAA regionals and have overcome challenges in the past. With just three previous failures to advance from regional play in 36 attempts, Arizona is well-positioned to carry their momentum forward. The team has only fallen short of advancing from regionals in Tucson once—back in 2004. This history fuels the Wildcats as they prepare for the upcoming final showdown against Ole Miss.

Upcoming Game Schedule

The final match in the Tucson Regional is set to begin at approximately 7 p.m. on Sunday evening. They will face Ole Miss in a double-elimination format, and with both teams bringing their best efforts, it promises to be an exhilarating game.

Friday, May 16: No. 13 Arizona 13, Santa Clara 5 (5 innings)
Saturday, May 17: Ole Miss 10, No. 13 Arizona 8
Saturday, May 17: No. 13 Arizona 4, Grand Canyon 1 (GCU eliminated)
Sunday, May 18: No. 13 Arizona 10, Ole Miss 1 (5 innings)
Sunday, May 18: Ole Miss vs. No. 13 Arizona, 7 p.m., TV TBD

With the stakes higher than ever, the Arizona Wildcats are poised for a thrilling finish to the Tucson Regional, ready to secure their spot in the next round of the NCAA Tournament.

Tags:

Arizona softball, NCAA Tournament, Tucson Regional, Wildcats, Ole Miss, Miranda Stoddard, Sydney Stewart, Caitlin Lowe, GCU, college sports
“`