Arizona State softball coach Clint Myers has said from Day 1 that this season is not about defending last year's title. It’s about winning another one.
With that in mind, the Sun Devils approach the Women's College World Series with a different cast and new dynamics, but the goal remains the same.
"This is not last year's team," Myers said. "This is one that's trying to create its own identity and personality. They have their personalities and their abilities, and what they are trying to do is the same as the other seven teams that are here -- win that final game."
This year's Sun Devils are different, but plenty carried over from last season simply by virtue of the players who are returning. All-American senior shortstop Katelyn Boyd and senior first baseman Annie Lockwood once again powered the offense, which ranks third in scoring nationally. Sophomore Dallas Escobedo again anchored the pitching staff, and senior Hilary Bach complemented her with a stellar comeback season.
Many of the pieces oare the same as a year ago, but the formula has changed. Last year's team was more overpowering, using a 10-0 postseason run to capture the national championship. This year's team has had to fight more for all it has achieved.
"I feel like last year we were really on the attack," Lockwood said. "We would score early and really put the fear in the other team from the very beginning, but this year we're more of a comeback team. We've had to have that never give up, never quit mentality."
The Sun Devils (51-9) have encountered a few speed bumps. They lost to Syracuse on the final day of the Regional round and had to win immediately after to avoid elimination.
Then last weekend they dropped their Super Regional opener to Louisiana-Lafayette, forcing them to win two games the following day to return to Oklahoma City.
Third-seeded ASU begins WCWS play Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. (Arizona time) against No. 11 seed Oregon (44-16), which is making its first WCWS appearance. The winner of the game would advance to play Tennessee (52-12) or Alabama (55-7) on Friday.
That ASU has maintained its resolve, Myers said, is a testament to the players and their ability to learn from each challenge they face.
"It says a lot about the dynamics and character of this team," Myers said. "The experience is something you really have to draw from."
Lockwood said the key to ASU's come-from-behind ability has been the players' unwillingness to believe they are going to lose. That confidence may be the greatest similarity to last year's team.
Led by the likes of seniors Kaylyn Castillo and Leslie Rogers, the 2011 team clicked from the start and never doubted what it was capable of.
"They led a lot by example, and it was easy to follow in their footsteps," Lockwood said. "Plus the chemistry and camaraderie we had was kind of amazing. It was just something we all fell into, and from Day 1 of practice we knew we were going to win a national championship."
The leadership dynamic has evolved this season, with a younger and less experience roster. While Boyd, Lockwood and senior outfielder Talor Haro play primary leadership roles, the leadership responsibility has trickled down to younger players.
"We just have so much confidence in ourselves and each other," Escobedo said. "If one person doesn't do it, the next person can. We're fighting for each other."
ASU's youth is evident in its starting lineup, which includes three freshmen and two sophomores. That doesn't worry Myers at all.
"This time of year everybody's experienced," Myers said. "You've already played a season, a Regional and a Super Regional."
While the Sun Devils can take the field with the confidence that comes from winning a championship, it also puts a target on their backs.
"I know a lot of people are going to be out to get us," Escobedo said. "We're already hearing different things on the news or from the media, but we try not to listen too much."
These Sun Devils might be a scrappier, less overpowering bunch, but their mindset has not wavered.
"The expectations for this team are the same as the expectations were for last year's team, and that's to win that final game," Myers said. "We have the same beliefs. We're going to go out there and do everything we can and make no excuses. Where our skill, commitment and heart take us, that's going to be it."
