Man, oh, man has Utah softball come a long way since 2012, the inaugural Pac-12 season. From going 2-22 in Pac-12 play, to now finish the season ranked No. 14 in the nation is a great turnaround story. The Utes finished their season a couple of weeks ago in Seattle, when they dropped game three of a three game series in the Super Regionals. The Utes were very close to advancing to the Women’s College World Series, but just couldn’t quite get over the hump.
Since joining the season, the Utes have improved their conference record each and every year, and in the Pac-12, that’s a major accomplishment. The Utes lose a lot of major players, and hopefully they can keep the momentum going forward into the coming seasons.
Here’s the official press release from the AD with more:
SALT LAKE CITY - Utah Softball was ranked No. 14 in the nation as the National Fastpitch Coaches Association released its final poll of the 2017 season. This is the highest final ranking in program history since the NCAA began keeping records in 1995.
Utah finished 37-16, its best record since 1997, and also had its best mark in Pac-12 play (13-9) since joining the conference in 2012.
The Utes reached the postseason for a 21st time and qualified for the NCAA Tournament in a third straight year, a program first. Utah also advanced to a second-straight NCAA Super Regional and hosted a NCAA Regional for the first time.
Utah finished No. 16 in the nation last year, the first time it ended a season ranked since 2000 when it finished No. 20. The Utes also concluded the 1997 season ranked at No. 16