Entering the 2017 season, there were two unfamiliar names in ASU softball's rotation, but that quickly changed thanks in part to the more experienced Sun Devil starters.
Freshman pitchers Giselle Juarez (5-4, 2.49 ERA) and Alyssa Loza (4-1, 0.72 ERA) have shined in their first year playing college softball for the Sun Devils. A large portion of this success, however, is due to two junior pitchers in the rotation — Breanna Macha (11-6, 1.52 ERA) and Dale Ryndak (7-3, 1.88 ERA).
The two juniors are used to the competitiveness of playing the tough conference that is the Pac-12, and have known just the right things to say to these freshmen in order to succeed like they have.
“We’ve talked a lot to them about the mental approach to the game, taking that head on,” Macha said. “They’ve been in tough situations that they’ve gotten out of and how that says a lot about their character and how much growth they’ve had from the beginning of the season to now.”
Those talks have seemingly gotten through to the two freshman, along with constant coaching from head coach Trisha Ford.
“I think it’s just putting work in every day and every night, being in here with coach Ford is amazing, she’s always talking me through everything," Juarez said. “I nitpick Dale and Bree for tips they’ve always had throughout the years and I think just knowing that they all have my back, no matter who’s out there.”
2 down, 1 to go. @ASUSoftball goes for the sweep vs Oregon State. #IgniteTheFight #GlovinIt
— Sun Devil Athletics (@TheSunDevils) March 27, 2017
⌚️ 1 p.m. MST
Pac-12 Network pic.twitter.com/SdqYH3ivAm
The advice that Macha has instilled in her younger players is to take things one pitch a time and stay focused during difficult situations on the bump. The approach seems to have worked for the pitching staff as a whole. Together, the team has posed a combined 1.79 ERA while striking out 204 opposing batters.
When not on the bump for the start, or coaching the freshmen pitchers to success, Macha and Ryndak have also served in relief roles for the Sun Devils — each record one save apiece.
But the closer role is one that often goes unneeded for the Sun Devils (27-14, 6-9 Pac-12). ASU's starting staff has combined for 22 complete games, and Macha leads the way with nine.
On the other side of the battery is senior catcher Sashel Palacios, who's has developed a special relationship with the starters, according to her coach. Ford said the rotation leans on Palacios' experience, which translated into success on the mound.
“Sash has done a heck of a job behind the plate – you talk about a senior leader,” Ford said. “I don’t know that I can ask for more out of her. (She) has a good presence behind her plate and never takes a pitch off.”
While the pitching has been a huge part of the success the team has had this season, they have had quite an offense to back them – a 4.50 ERA from opponents.
With both components, the team has had quite the season and will need everyone to play their part in what could arguably be the toughest stretch of the regular season.
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