With the start of the season quickly approaching, all eyes turn to the schedule for Arizona Softball. With games from February to May, the softball season is a long one, but also an exciting one, and the schedule this year doesn’t disappoint. 

Non-conference games

The season kicks off in Tempe, Arizona with the Kajikawa Classic, Feb. 9–11. The ‘Cats will take on Oklahoma State, Fresno State, Northwestern, UC Davis and New Mexico. Both Oklahoma State and Fresno State made the NCAA Tournament last year.

Next up for the Wildcats will be the Hillenbrand Invitational, which will be in Tucson, with Colorado State, Troy, Bryant, Louisiana-Monroe and Montana all coming to town. Out of that field, only Montana made the tournament last year. Those games will take place Feb. 15–18.

Then comes the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Palm Springs, California, Feb. 22–24. It includes games against North Carolina, Missouri, Saint John’s (New York), California State University, Northridge and reigning National Champion Oklahoma, who will be a good test for Arizona. Missouri and North Carolina were also tournament teams.

Following that will be a weekend series against the Texas Longhorns from March 2—4 in Texas. Then comes the Wildcat Invitational in Tucson, which will be from March 8–11. It includes games against South Dakota, Wisconsin, San Diego and the University of Southern Carolina Upstate. Wisconsin and SC Upstate were both in the tournament.

On March 14, the Wildcats take on Minnesota in Tucson, before they begin their conference schedule.

Conference games

First up in the Pac-12 is Utah, who made it to the Super Regionals last year, from March 16–18 in Tucson. In their series last season, the Wildcats were 1-2 against the Utes. 

Then comes Washington, who knocked Utah out of the tournament last year. That series will be from March 23–25 in Seattle. Last year, the Wildcats were against the then-No. 6 Huskies and had a 12-0 mercy after five innings.

Next is California, from March 29–31 in Tucson. The Wildcats were also 3-0 against California, outscoring the Golden Bears 19-1.

After California comes a weekend series in Oregon for Arizona, as they take on the Ducks from April 6–8. Last year the Wildcats were 2-1 against the Ducks, who made it to the College World Series.

Following Oregon, the Wildcats will play UCLA from April 13–15 in Tucson. The Bruins, who also made the College World Series last year, were 2-1 against the ‘Cats.

Then comes a double-header against New Mexico State on April 18. The Wildcats will be looking to repeat last year’s sweep of NMST.

After the NMST Aggies comes rival Arizona State in Tempe, from April 20–22. Last year, the ‘Cats were 2-1 against the Sun Devils, who were eliminated in the Regionals.

Then, following a game against New Mexico in Tucson April 25, the Wildcats take on Oregon State from April 27–29 in Tucson. Arizona was 3-0 against the Beavers last season. On May 5 and 6, the Wildcats will play three games against Grand Canyon University, who they were 2-0 against last year.

The regular season wraps up May 10–12, as the ‘Cats finish on the road against Stanford. In their three games last season, the Wildcats were 3-0, with each game finishing in the fifth inning.

Arizona softball will face a wide variety of opponents over the coming months. But for now, all eyes are on the Kajikawa Classic and the beginning of what should be a very fun season for Arizona softball.

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