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Sun Devil softball claims 2011 national championship

In January, freshman pitcher Dallas Escobedo entered the collegiate softball world with a surplus of hype and sky-high expectations.

The ASU softball team celebrates the second national title in program history.

High-powered ASU offense in WCWS

Hey there! We are about 30 minutes away from the start of game two of the 2011 Women's College World Series in the Championship Series. The ASU Sun Devils are taking on the Florida Gators. Last night, we saw the ladies in maroon and gold explode for 14 runs en route to a 14-4 victory.

Gators falsely criticize umpire after 14-4 loss

After ASU pounded Florida 14-4 last night, the Gators used their press conference time to criticize the home plate umpire.

Lockwood, Urfer relish chance to play at HOF Stadium

It’s another hot day here in Oklahoma City. ASU and Florida return to Hall of Fame Stadium tonight in game two of the championship series, and the Sun Devils are just one win away from claiming the 2011 national championship.

Softball one win away from WCWS title

From top to bottom, the ASU softball team’s starting lineup is stacked with talented hitters. Each hitter is capable of producing a run scoring at-bat or game changing hit.

Donnenwirth's defense second to none

The 2011 Sun Devil softball team boasts one of the deepest lineups in the nation. There is an abundance of talent from top to bottom. Each fielder is capable of making a highlight reel catch. While each batter is more than capable of providing a game-winning hit. Clearly, a team doesn’t make it all the way to the WCWS Championship Series on pure luck. It takes talent, and that is something ASU has plenty of. Players like Dallas Escobedo and Katelyn Boyd receive a lot of recognition and deservedly so. Both have enjoyed phenomenal years. But someone who may not get the publicity or credit she deserves is senior third baseman Krista Donnenwirth. Donnenwirth is easily the Pac-10’s most talented defensive third baseman. There are few, if any stronger defenders in the nation. She consistently makes difficult plays look routine. She has a canon of an arm, which she shows off each time a ground ball is batted her way. Her range is second to none as she covers an incredible amount of ground. We’ve seen her sprint into foul ground to haul in fly balls as well. Donnenwirth posted a .980 fielding percentage this season. She made just three errors all year. I’d say that’s pretty darn good. ASU coach Clint Myers agrees with me on this one. Here’s what he had to say regarding his senior third baseman. “Krista (Donnenwirth) is an outstanding third baseman. I’ve been coaching 35 years, both men and women, and Krista Donnenwirth is the best third baseman I’ve ever coached. She does more things with what she has with her angles of release – she’s just an outstanding third baseman.” While her defense is the forte of her game, she’s not half bad at the plate either. She batted .331 with 10 doubles, five homers and 50 RBI this season. ASU definitely would not be in Oklahoma City right now without Donnenwirth. Her top-notch defense will surely be missed next season.

Championship-bound: ASU senior Mandy Urfer waits for a pitch during the Sun Devils’ 8-0 win over Long Beach State on May 21. Urfer had a two-RBI home run in the ASU victory over Baylor on Sunday. (Photo by Aaron Lavinsky)

OKC memorial puts things in perspective

Following the ASU softball team’s win over Baylor, I had the chance to go visit the Oklahoma City bombing memorial on Sunday night. I’m glad we had time to head over there as it was definitely a great experience.

Softball reaches the national championship final

From the outset of the 2011 season, the ASU softball team’s ultimate goal has been to compete for a national championship.

Escobedo, Urfer dancing through season

Cheering, clapping, and celebrating in the dugouts are all regular activities throughout each and every college softball game.

Softball gets its revenge against Florida

Since ASU coach Clint Myers took the reigns of the ASU softball team in 2006, it’s been expected that his team reach and succeed at the Women’s College World Series each season.

An electric atmosphere at the WCWS

As I walked into ASA Hall of Fame Stadium this afternoon, I quickly noticed that something was strikingly different. It was a good kind of different.

Pac-10 remains softball's elite conference

Throughout the past few weeks of postseason play, the increased hype surrounding the SEC conference has caught my attention. I continually see and hear people who constantly build up SEC softball.

Hello from the Women's College World Series!

Hello from Oklahoma City! After a pair of flights and a bomb squad delay at Will Rogers airport, I finally made it into town. It’s a humid, breezy day here. The 2011 Women’s College World Series is well underway, and it’s been a compelling series to say the least.

Softball is World Series bound

It was a dramatic Super Regional series from start to finish, and in the end the ASU softball team prevailed.

On a roll: ASU freshman Dallas Escobedo delivers a pitch against Texas A&M during the Sun Devils’ 4-2 win on Saturday. The Sun Devils went undefeated in both regional and super regional play to reach the College World Series. (Photo by Aaron Lavinsky)

Photo of the Day: May 31

HUDDLE-UP: Members of the ASU softball team huddle before regional play against South Dakota State on May 21. ASU Softball will be traveling to Oklahoma City this week to play in the college World Series. (Photo by Aaron Lavinsky)

HUDDLE-UP: Members of the ASU softball team huddle before regional play against South Dakota State on May 21. ASU Softball will be traveling to Oklahoma City this week to play in the college World Series. (Photo by Aaron Lavinsky)

Sun Devils cruise through regional play

It was a classic pitcher’s duel for six innings. After that, the ASU softball team’s offense got involved.