Arizona Softball Rallies to Salvage Final Game at LSU

Wildcats overcome early deficit to win 4-2 and avoid series sweep

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:49pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a softball game, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of Arizona and LSU uniforms. The scene conveys the dynamic energy and competition of the sport.Arizona's comeback victory over LSU showcases the Wildcats' resilience and ability to capitalize on their opponent's mistakes.Stillwater Today

The No. 12 Arizona Wildcats softball team salvaged the final game of their series at No. 21 LSU, winning 4-2 after dropping the first two games. Arizona outhit LSU 4-8 but took advantage of key walks and a wild pitch to score three runs in the sixth inning and come back from an early 2-1 deficit.

Why it matters

The win avoids a series sweep for Arizona, which had lost the first two games despite outhitting LSU in those contests. The Wildcats' ability to rally late and capitalize on LSU's mistakes shows their resilience and ability to win close games on the road against a ranked opponent.

The details

In the top of the sixth inning with Arizona trailing 2-1, a wild pitch allowed Regan Shockey to move to third base. A fielder's choice by Tele Jennings tied the game. Later in the inning, LSU intentionally walked Sydney Stewart, and Jenna Sniffen drew a walk to load the bases. Designated player Emma Kavanagh then drove in two runs to give Arizona the lead. Jalen Adams closed out the game for the Wildcats, throwing 4.2 innings of shutout relief.

  • On Friday, LSU defeated Arizona 4-1 despite being outhit 5-5.
  • On Saturday, LSU won 3-1 despite Arizona outhitting them 7-3.
  • On Sunday, Arizona salvaged the final game of the series with a 4-2 victory.

The players

Jalen Adams

The Arizona pitcher who earned the win, throwing 4.2 innings of shutout relief and recording the Wildcats' only strikeout of the game.

Regan Shockey

The Arizona player who scored the tying run in the sixth inning after a wild pitch allowed her to advance to third base.

Emma Kavanagh

The Arizona designated player who drove in the go-ahead runs with a two-RBI single in the sixth inning.

Payton Monticelli

The LSU starting pitcher who was replaced by Jayden Heavener in the sixth inning after walking Sydney Stewart with the game tied.

Jayden Heavener

The LSU pitcher who entered in relief in the sixth inning and proceeded to walk Jenna Sniffen, leading to Arizona's go-ahead runs.

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What they’re saying

“The wild pitch was key. It allowed Regan Shockey to move to third in the top of the sixth. Arizona trailed 2-1 at the time.”

— Kim Doss, Author

“Heavener then walked Jenna Sniffen to put two on. Designated player Emma Kavanagh drove in Sniffen and pinch runner Molli Daley to put the go-ahead runs on the board.”

— Kim Doss, Author

“ESPN's cameras caught her throwing things around in the LSU dugout.”

— Kim Doss, Author

What’s next

Arizona will return home for practice after being away for the past 10 days. They then travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma for another road series before playing at home again at the end of April.

The takeaway

Arizona's ability to rally late and capitalize on LSU's mistakes, including walks and a wild pitch, shows the Wildcats' resilience and competitiveness. This win avoids a series sweep and keeps Arizona in a strong position as they prepare for their next road series.