ASU Softball: Youth and Talent Converge in the Outfield

Last, but most certainly not least, we have the 2013 Sun Devils' outfield.

The outfield is the youngest group that the Arizona State softball team has, but where they lack in age, they flourish in their veterans' experience.

Alix Johnson, junior, is not only a leader, but also a true talent. After an All-American season in 2012 (.395 batting average, 60 hits, 13 doubles, 13 home runs, and 53 RBI,) Johnson did not hesitate in kicking off the 2013 with similar offensive expertise. Her first home run of the season came against Boise State last Sunday.

Another star and emerging leader from last weekend's tournament was sophomore Elizabeth Caporuscio. Caporuscio was responsible for scoring two of the three runs in the Sun Devils' victory against New Mexico, tripled versus Kentucky, and now leads the team in batting average (.571) after seven games. Coming off of freshman season with a batting average of .324, 60 hits, 51 runs scored, 51 RBI, and a .395 OBP, Caporuscio's electric weekend at the plate only adds spark to the Sun Devils' quest for Oklahoma City.

Senior, Kayla Ketchum, is a threat on the base paths after going 4-4 in stolen bases last spring. Junior Bailey Wigness joins Ketchum as another threat on the base paths with 11 stolen bases in 2012. In addition to base running know-how, Wigness had the third highest batting average (.396) on the 2012 Sun Devils squad.

This season, junior, Mary Spiel, is joined by her younger sister, Abby Spiel (freshman.) Abby Spiel is joining the Sun Devil family as a two-time 5A Central All-Region First Team for her success as a utility player as well as an outfielder.

Becca Tikey, senior, spent her freshman and sophomore seasons playing for Arizona State rival, University of Arizona. After becoming a Sun Devil her junior year, Tikey is now able to get started on her senior season with the Arizona State softball team.

A few new faces you'll see amongst the other outfielders are Allie Butterfield (Blanchet Catholic High School - Oregon,) Mandi Grebe (Perry High School - Arizona,) and Kenzy Kaler (Queen Creek High School - Arizona).

As the Sun Devils kick off their second tournament of the season this Friday, keep an eye on this already forceful group.