By Amiliano Fragoso
The Arizona State Sun Devil Softball team hosted its annual media day Wednesday afternoon, shedding light on what to expect from the upcoming 2020 season.
News broke last week all-Pac-12 shortstop Jade Gortarez unexpectedly left the team, leaving the Sun Devils short-handed with little time to recover. While some may see a bleak circumstance, others see an opportunity, especially for freshman infielder Alynah Torres who will be called upon to step in and replace Gortarez.
It’s a chance senior outfielder Kindra Hackbrath sees Torres thriving in.
“Honestly, I feel like she has it,” said Hackbrath. “She doesn’t carry the pressure on her back. She’s a fighter.”
Development and growth are some of the key mindsets this season as eight new freshmen and three transfers are join the mix this year for the Devils who went 35-20 and advanced to the NCAA regional round last spring.
While the freshmen are here for the long haul, coach Trisha Ford sees the transfers making immediate impacts this season, especially junior pitcher Madison Preston.
“She’s going to be able to come in and work her way through, whether it’s in spot innings or getting us out of tight situations,” said Ford, hoping Preston can adjust up to Pac-12 competition.
ASU fans won’t have to wait much longer to see their team in action as they host the Kajikawa Classic this weekend in Tempe, an event the fans and the players are anxiously waiting for.
They open the season Friday at 3:30 against Portland State.
