Arizona Softball Caps Perfect Weekend with Run-Rule Victory

Wildcats complete 5-0 run at Hillenbrand Invitational ahead of Big 12 play

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The No. 14 Arizona Wildcats softball team capped off a perfect 5-0 weekend at the Hillenbrand Invitational with a 12-2 run-rule victory over Long Beach State in five innings. The Wildcats used an 8-run first inning to set the tone, with Emma Kavanagh and Jenna Sniffen both hitting home runs later in the game. Arizona's pitching duo of Rylie Holder and Jalen Adams combined to hold Long Beach State to just 2 runs on 4 hits.

Why it matters

The Wildcats' dominant performance over the weekend, including the run-rule win over Long Beach State, has them primed to open Big 12 conference play on a high note. Arizona has now won 17 of its 22 games in the preconference slate, showcasing its offensive firepower and pitching depth as it prepares to take on tougher competition in the Big 12.

The details

Arizona sent 12 batters to the plate in an 8-run first inning, using a combination of walks, singles, and a fielder's choice to take an early lead. Emma Kavanagh and Jenna Sniffen both hit home runs later in the game to provide additional offense. Rylie Holder earned the win, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits in 4 innings, while Jalen Adams pitched a scoreless inning in relief.

  • The Wildcats wrapped up the Hillenbrand Invitational with a 5-0 record.
  • Arizona's preconference slate is now 17-5 as the team prepares to open Big 12 play.

The players

Emma Kavanagh

An Arizona player who hit a 2-run home run in the second inning.

Jenna Sniffen

An Arizona player who went 3-for-3 with a home run, 4 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and a stolen base.

Rylie Holder

The Arizona freshman starting pitcher who earned the win, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits in 4 innings.

Jalen Adams

The Arizona senior pitcher who came in to pitch a scoreless inning in relief.

Audree Mendoza

The Long Beach State catcher who attempted to throw out a runner on a double steal in Arizona's 8-run first inning.

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What they’re saying

“I think we walked up with a plan to attack, but get our pitch in our zone, and it showed up. And even when we walked, I think we were really selecting the pitches that we wanted to put a good swing on, and if it wasn't there, we weren't going to pull the trigger on anything other than an ace-swing pitch, and it led to some big walks that we needed to get ahead.”

— Emma Kavanagh (Yahoo Sports)

“You don't even look at the total runs. I think we go inning by inning, which is something big for us. They put up a two spot, and we're able to put up an eight spot, and we feel like we took the momentum back.”

— Emma Kavanagh (Yahoo Sports)

“We work on balls like that every single day at practice, and our motto in the infield is kind of, we call it smother, and we basically just want to field aggressively. So if we're gonna fail, fail trying as as hard as we can, full force, like full lean-in.”

— Jenna Sniffen (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Wildcats will now open Big 12 conference play against BYU.

The takeaway

Arizona's dominant performance at the Hillenbrand Invitational, capped by the run-rule victory over Long Beach State, has the Wildcats primed and ready to take on the challenges of Big 12 play. The team's offensive firepower, pitching depth, and aggressive defensive approach have them poised for success as they transition to conference competition.