The Arizona softball team has started to rely heavily on pitcher Shelby Babcock to get the job done in the circle, and the Pac-12 Conference has started to take notice.

For the first time in her career as a Wildcat, Babcock was named the Pac-12 Pitcher of the Week after a weekend against Cal where she pitched a complete game in the Bears’ first conference loss, allowing just three hits and striking out six.

Babcock is 15-7 this season with a 2.34 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 134.2 innings pitched.

Candrea has had nothing but good things to say about his emerging pitcher and her continued presence on the field.

Babcock began the season as a question mark as she was working on techniques already mastered by Wildcat ace pitcher Kenzie Fowler.

But Fowler faced a few setbacks early on in the season, dealing with back and shoulder pains along with an episode of the flu just before conference play began about a month ago. Babcock hasn’t looked back since.

The Colorado native rose to the occasion and has made the most of her opportunities on the mound to improve her skills and show the coaching staff that she thrives under pressure.