The expectations surrounding freshman pitcher Dallas Escobedo were sky high.
After a standout high school career, the highly touted recruit embarked on her first season as a member of the ASU softball team in February.
Escobedo has been as good as advertised, dominating in the circle for the first two months of her career.
She has garnered a 15-1 record with a miniscule 1.25 ERA. In her 89.2 innings pitched, Escobedo has struck out 142 batters, while opponents are hitting just .179 against her.
Even with the hype surrounding her ascension into collegiate softball, Escobedo has managed to disregard the expectations.
“I just tune them out,” Escobedo said. “I don’t really stay up on that.”
Escobedo has turned in several marquee performances already this season. In only her third collegiate start, she defeated then-ranked No. 9 Oklahoma. Two weeks later she unleashed a one-hit shutout over New Mexico State.
With her dominating rise ball, Escobedo has quickly established herself as one of the Pac-10’s most talented pitchers.
Her impressive statistics have placed her at the top of several conference pitching categories, including third in wins and ERA and in second strikeouts.
While a variety of factors have contributed to her success, Escobedo believes the team behind her has been key.
“If I make a mistake, I know that they have my back,” Escobedo said. “They’ll get it, and even if we don’t get it, I know that our offense will come back right away.”
Now that ASU’s non-conference schedule has drawn to a close, Escobedo will get her first taste of Pac-10 softball this coming weekend against Cal.
Escobedo has already faced several top teams this season, but the freshman hurler will receive the ultimate test in Pac-10 play.
“I’m so excited,” Escobedo said. “They talk about it like it’s just a whole different world.”
Boyd to try out for Team USA
Junior All-American shortstop Katelyn Boyd has had plenty of success at ASU since her debut season in 2009.
Her efforts have earned her the opportunity to tryout for the USA national softball team. Boyd will showcase her skills at the tryout in California, which will be held at the end of June.
After playing for the USA Futures team last summer, the left-handed hitter is in the midst of yet another strong season at ASU. Boyd is currently sporting an incredible .500 batting average with a team-leading 11 home runs.
For Boyd, it’s a thrill to play on the national stage.
“I’m hoping to do great things,” Boyd said. “It’ll be fun. It’s always an honor and a great opportunity to play for the red, white and blue.”
Sun Devils are highest-ranked Pac-10 team in national poll
As the 2011 season has progressed, the Sun Devils have continued to rise through the national top-25 polls.
ASU began the season outside the top 10, but have steadily climbed into the top five spots. The Sun Devils kick off conference action with a No. 5 ranking in the ESPN/USA softball poll and a No. 4 spot in the NFCA poll.
The Sun Devils enter Pac-10 play as the highest nationally ranked team in the conference.
The Pac-10 schedule looks to be a demanding one yet again this season with seven out of eight teams holding top-25 rankings.
“It’s the Pac-10,” ASU coach Clint Myers said. “We got more national titles than anybody else. Every single team is ranked, and the last few years we’ve had every single team go to postseason. Every game in conference really prepares you well for postseason.”
Reach the reporter at greg.dillard@asu.edu
