The Arizona Wildcats softball team awaits its postseason destination and opponents, which will be announced on a selection show, beginning at 7 p.m. on ESPNU.
Arizona finished the regular season Saturday afternoon with a 3-1 walk-off victory over Oregon State, with junior third baseman Brigette Del Ponte blasting a two-run homer with one out in the bottom of the seventh.
The Cats finished the season with a 35-17 record, 12-12 in the Pac-12.
By taking two of three from the Beavers to end the regular season, Arizona hopes it did enough to be one of 16 hosts for NCAA regionals, which begin at the end of the week.
“I know one thing about this team,” coach Mike Candrea said. “They know they can come from behind.”
Arizona did that Saturday.
Oregon State took a 1-0 lead on a fourth-inning home run from Lea Cavestany, while the Cats, for the second game in a row, had a difficult time mustering anything off pitcher Marina Demore, who shut out Arizona on Friday night.
Arizona first baseman Jessica Spigner provided the needed shot in the arm for UA, lining a one-out homer in the sixth to tie the game.
In the bottom of the seventh, outfielder Karissa Buchanan beat out a chopper to third — her fourth hit of the game — and then Del Ponte followed with the game-ending homer.
“Pretty awesome day,” said senior catcher Lini Koria. “Just ending on a weekend like that is going to get us on a roll.”
Sophomore pitcher Shelby Babcock (19-9) allowed only five hits, striking one nine and walking one.
“I was really pleased with Babcock’s performance to give us a chance to win that game,” Candrea said. “That was huge for us.”
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