Following a year that saw the ASU softball pitching staff produce All-American senior Kenzie Brown, the group of hurlers wanted to come into 2026 showing they could be even better than last season.
In their first few games, they indicated that this group can carry the offense even during periods when runs are hard to come by.
"All of our kids bend the ball really well," head coach Megan Bartlett said following a 2-1 loss to Oklahoma on Feb. 5. "If they get ahead in counts, then you know you are immediately on your heels, and because they can all go multiple directions and move it off-speed."
With the Kajikawa Classic coming to a close and the opening weekend in the books, it already looks like the stable of arms could be one of the best in the country.
After junior Meika Lauppe and newcomer senior Aissa Silva combined to hold Toledo to five hits in a 4-1 win, Brown took the circle and held No. 3 Oklahoma to just two runs on four hits in the loss.
Though ASU couldn't top the Sooners, Brown's dominant pitching gave her team a chance to win against the softball powerhouse.
"I think anybody in the country would take that performance out of Kenzie," Bartlett said. "We didn't come up with the run support … I just wish we could have gotten her a couple more, because she threw a beautiful ballgame."
With a lone home run from redshirt senior outfielder Kaylee Pond giving the Sun Devils the only hit of the game, ASU's attack proved ineffective against the Sooners. Nonetheless, the Brown masterclass kept the Sun Devils in striking distance.
"Honestly, it's what she came back here to do," Bartlett said. "Again, for opening night, certainly not hanging my hat on moral victories. But Oklahoma is tremendous, and we were right there with them."
The Sun Devils bounced back on the following night with yet another great pitching performance as they took down Texas State 3-2.
All three pitchers mentioned appeared in the win, as Silva started and was able to go 4.2 innings before giving the ball to Lauppe for 2.0. Then Brown came in and slammed the door shut on a brewing Bobcats rally.
"We have an amazing pitching staff," Pond said. "A few days ago, people asked, 'How is it going to be facing other teams?' I'm like this is refreshing ... the entire staff is the real deal, it's really fun playing behind them."
The group was crucial in getting another tight, low-scoring win against a quality opponent, as the bats faltered again.
"They are a wonderful complement to one another," Bartlett said. "They are happy to hand the ball off to each other. They trust one another."
Unlike the Texas State game, which saw three pitchers compete for the Sun Devils, Northwestern saw Brown take the rubber, and like clockwork, she dominated the opposing lineup.
Brown tossed a gem, going all six innings in a commanding 8-0 win over Wildcats. They managed just two hits the entire evening while she notched 12 strikeouts to earn the complete game shutout.
"I love her," senior outfielder Tanya Windle said. "It's fun playing behind someone that is an absolute dog out there and just has the energy everyone wants."
The Sun Devils capped off the classic with a 4-3 win over Memphis. This time, Bartlett returned to the combination of Lauppe and Silva, and the veterans held the Tigers to six hits while striking out seven.
After a successful first weekend back on the diamond, ASU will have until Feb. 12 to rest and prepare before it hosts the Littlewood Invitational. The pitching staff will be called on yet again to continue their hot start.
"I can bet all my money on each pitcher on this pitching staff," junior infielder Nehanda Lewis said. "I know that they have my back, and I know I have their back defensively and offensively. I can say that for every pitcher on this team."
Edited by Alan Deutschendorf, Henry Smardo and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at mseal6@asu.edu and follow @masonseal23 on X.
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Mason Seal is a reporter in the sports department. He provides intel and paints stories about many different sports for The State Press. He is in his third semester at The State Press.
