Tempe Region 2014 Softball World Series Breakdown
#9 Arizona State, Michigan, San Diego State and Dartmouth
Arizona State handled the transition under first year head coach Craig Nicholson just fine as they secured another regional at home in Tempe as the number nine overall seed. The Sun Devils have another dynamic offensive attack led by junior catcher Amber Freeman. Freeman is hitting .424 and can hit for power with 11 homeruns besides handling the pitching staff. Senior Cheyenne Coyle and junior Haley Steele also provide additional power and veteran experience that will be vital to another run to Oklahoma City. In the circle, seniors Dallas Escobedo and Mackenzie Popescue are going to need to be on top of their game for the Sun Devils to advance on out of this regional. Escobedo has that ability when she is on to take over a game and carry a team and take the pressure off Arizona State defensively.
Michigan, San Diego State, and Dartmouth provide the obstacles for the Sun Devils in order for them to try and advance to the Super Regional. The Wolverines eliminated Arizona State from the Women’s College World Series last year. Michigan also lost 2-0 to the Sun Devils back on March 6. Sophomore sensation Sierra Romero leads an explosive Wolverine offense as she is hitting .510 with 16 homerun and 62 runs batted in. It will be interesting to see how often Romero is pitched to in the postseason. The Aztecs of San Diego State out of the Mountain West Conference are going to ride the arm of’ pitcher Danielle O’Toole in order to slow down offenses like Arizona State and Michigan. Dartmouth is the Ivy League Champion and they are led by Morgan McCalmon who is hitting .389, along with Katie McEachern who has hit eight homerun this season.
See All 2014 Softball World Series Regional Breakdowns
