By
Brian Penso
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Arizona back to winning ways
The Arizona softball team was too strong for Utah this weekend as they swept the two-game series 8-3 and 12-2, respectively.
With its non-conference schedule coming to a close, this series with the Utes (18-15 overall) was a good test for Arizona before Pacific 10 Conference play begins against Oregon this weekend in Eugene, Ore.
"Going into Pac-10 competition we will face really good pitching, and facing Utah will help us a lot," UA freshman designated hitter Leneah Manama said. "We came here to play in this conference. It is hard, but that's why we all came here, and we are ready for the challenge to begin."
Though Arizona (36-2) came away with a lopsided victory Saturday, the team faced some unusual circumstances.
Arizona freshman pitcher Jenny Gladding (12-1) has averaged slightly more than one walk per game in her 12 outings this season, but walked a season-high seven batters, which gave the Utes scoring threats in almost every inning.
"Jenny (Gladding) went through a great learning process (Saturday) because I thought she was getting squeezed at the plate," UA head coach Mike Candrea said. "Sometimes that happens and you just don't get the corner calls, which took her game away from her. It showed a lot, though, that she was able to make adjustments and battle back."
Gladding showed why she is considered one of the nation's elite pitchers as she allowed two runs on the night.
"I think Jenny did a great job tonight, just like she has done for us all year," Arizona freshman right fielder Mackenzie Vandergeest said.
Gladding's tough pitching allowed the Wildcats to take control early, scoring three runs off Utah freshman pitcher Kristin Arbogast in the first inning.
Utah, though, came back in the second inning and started a rally.
Gladding walked junior shortstop Michele Larson, which brought up junior catcher Christa Pfeninger.
Pfeninger hit a sharp line drive down the first base line, but junior first baseman Jennie Finch snagged the hit for the first out and tossed the ball to sophomore second baseman Lisha Ribellia, who was covering first, to complete the double play.
Utah proceeded to get two more hits in the inning, but were unable to score.
With the Wildcats leading 6-2 in the bottom of the sixth, Arizona erupted for six runs, led by senior center fielder Lauren Bauer's grand slam that ended the game due to the mercy rule.
"It was nice to see us finish the game the way we did," Candrea said. "It was huge for us to have a high note going into Pac-10 play."
In Arizona's 8-3 victory on Friday, the Wildcats scored six of its eight runs via the long ball.
"Our mentality has to change," Candrea said. "Once conference play starts we have to play for the one-run inning instead of the big inning."
Utah stayed close throughout, as they were down 5-3 going into the sixth inning, but Manuma ended any hopes of an upset as she slammed a three-run homer, which sealed the Wildcat victory.
Finch struck out 10 batters and improved her record to 12-0.
"We had a wake-up call in the past few games, but things are getting back to normal," Vandergeest said. "Our intensity has picked up and I think we are ready to go for the rest of the year."
The Wildcats play two games today against Central Arizona at Hillenbrand Stadium. First pitch at 5 p.m.
