PROVO, Utah – In a stunning display of athleticism and skill, the No. 9 Arizona Wildcats opened their series against BYU with a resounding victory on Thursday evening, March 27, 2025. The star of the game was none other than Devyn Netz, who threw a perfect game, marking the 11th perfect game in Arizona's program history and the first of her career. This remarkable achievement not only secured her 12th win of the season but also made her the first pitcher in the conference to achieve a perfect game since Kenzie Fowler accomplished the feat against Oregon State back in 2010.
Arizona's offense was equally impressive, scoring eight runs on just six hits. The Wildcats wasted no time getting on the board, as Miranda Stoddard launched a two-run homer in the second inning, her 11th of the season, giving Arizona a quick 2-0 lead. The momentum continued in the third inning, where Arizona exploded for four more runs, extending their lead to 6-0. Sydney Stewart initiated the scoring in that inning with a single to the pitcher, followed by Anyssa Wild, who hit a bases-clearing double, driving in three runs and marking her first career double.
As the game progressed, Arizona's dominance became increasingly evident. They added two more runs in the fifth inning, bringing the score to 8-0, with Netz herself contributing a two-run homer to left field, her 11th of the season. The Wildcats showcased a balanced attack, combining power hitting with strategic base running, leaving BYU struggling to keep up.
Looking ahead, Arizona is set to continue their series against BYU on Friday, March 28, at 4 p.m. MST, as they aim to build on this impressive performance.
Meanwhile, in the realm of college basketball, Arizona's athletic prowess was further highlighted by the recent commitment of Koa Peat, a five-star recruit from Perry High School, to the University of Arizona. On the same day as the Wildcats' softball victory, Peat announced his decision to join the program, much to the delight of head coach Tommy Lloyd. This commitment comes amidst fierce competition, with Bobby Hurley of Arizona State making a strong push to recruit the 6'8” forward. However, Peat's decision reflects the strong infrastructure and support system in place at the University of Arizona, which has long been a draw for top talent.
"When you have a legacy of players like Steve Kerr, Richard Jefferson, and Channing Frye, it’s hard to ignore the allure of Arizona basketball," said a source close to the recruitment process. The difference in facilities and resources between Arizona and Arizona State was also noted, particularly as the President of Arizona State publicly stated that their 50-year-old arena is "completely functional" and a "fine facility." This perception of neglect has been a hurdle for the Sun Devils, as they aim to compete for top recruits.
As the excitement builds around Peat's commitment, Arizona fans are also looking forward to the Wildcats' matchup against the Duke Blue Devils in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament on Thursday night. This highly anticipated game is set to take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, at 9:39 p.m. ET. Duke, the No. 1 seed, enters the game after dominating their earlier matches, including a 93-49 victory over Mount St. Mary's and an 89-66 win against Baylor. On the other hand, Arizona, a No. 4 seed, comes in hot with impressive wins over 13th-seeded Akron and a tight battle against fifth-seeded Oregon, winning 87-83.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as they anticipate this clash of titans. If Arizona can pull off an upset against Duke, it would undoubtedly be a historic day for the program, marking both Peat's commitment and a potential victory over one of college basketball's most storied programs.
As if the day wasn't eventful enough, the Phoenix Suns faced a tough loss at home, falling by 30 points to the Boston Celtics. This defeat left fans frustrated, as they had hoped for a strong showing from their team. The Suns' struggles were evident, with the game effectively decided by the midway point of the third quarter, highlighting the challenges they face this season.
Despite the setback for the Suns, the excitement of Opening Day for baseball brings a fresh sense of optimism to Arizona sports fans. The Diamondbacks, poised for a promising season, are expected to provide a much-needed distraction from the scorching summer heat, with fans hopeful that the team can deliver a successful run.
As the Arizona Wildcats continue to make headlines in both softball and basketball, it's clear that the spirit of competition runs deep in the state. With thrilling matchups ahead and new talent joining the ranks, Arizona sports are certainly in for an exhilarating season.
