The Big 12 Softball Tournament kicked off with a classic rivalry showdown, but for Arizona, it was a story of missed opportunities. The Wildcats fell 2-1 to Arizona State in the opening round, squandering multiple chances to capitalize with runners in scoring position—a frustrating 0-for-2 performance with a runner on third and less than two outs.
Both teams traded chances early, and both pitchers navigated the pressure with poise. ASU ultimately escaped a few more jams, punching their ticket to the semifinals against Oklahoma State. For Arizona, the final inning told the tale of their tournament exit.
Trailing by a run in the bottom of the seventh, the Wildcats needed one clutch moment to extend their season. After a deep flyout to center by Jenna Sniffen, Kez Lucas kept hope alive with a single, putting the tying run on base. Addison Duke then drew her first walk since April 6, loading the bases with one out.
Regan Shockey, shaking off a tough series at Utah, delivered a single to load the bases—her third hit in four at-bats. The stage was set for a hero. But Trice, who had struck out in a similar spot two innings earlier, couldn't find the zone, fanning on three high pitches. The weight of the game fell on Big 12 Player of the Year Sydney Stewart. After two balls and a visit from the ASU coaching staff, Stewart swung at the next pitch—a harmless fly to right field. Game over.
Arizona State struck first in the second inning. Emily Schepp led off with a double, and after two quick outs from Wildcats starter Jalen Adams, Yazzy Avila hit what looked like a routine single. But a throwing error by Tayler Biehl sent the ball into foul territory, allowing the former Arizona catcher to score. Whether earned or unearned, the run counted the same on the scoreboard.
The Sun Devils returned the favor in the bottom of the inning, gifting Kez Lucas a two-out error to reach base, but Arizona couldn't cash in. In a tournament where every at-bat matters, the Wildcats learned the hard way that you can't afford to let big moments slip away.