Baillie Kirker
By Josh Lowden
(Tucson, Ariz.) – While the majority of teams have already had their season’s come to an end, sixty four of the nations NCAA Division 1 softball teams qualified to advance to the Regional in the Women’s College World Series.
The University of Arizona, who boasted a regular season record of 40-16, swept through regional opponents, outscoring their opponents 28-2.
One of the mainstays on this team is former Crescenta Valley standout Baillie Kirker. While at Crescenta Valley, she led the Falcons to a 49-3 record during her four years there, including three league championships.
Kirker, who graduated in 2009, had a batting average of .632 and .519 her junior and senior year respectively, winning a combined 50 games while only having four losses. The Falcons only lost one game her junior year, a stunning 3-2 CIF Semi-Final loss to eventual champion La Serna.
Making the transition to the college game, Kirker moved from her high school position at shortstop to third base.
“I only played shortstop in high school,” said Kirker. “I played third and first on my travel ball teams growing up. When I first started playing, my dad told me it was going to benefit me in the long run if I learn every position; so playing first in college wasn’t a shock to me.
“Plus, I would have played anywhere as long as I got to play”
Her talent was noticed right away. After winning the starting job as a true freshman, she excelled at batting. She hit seven homeruns in her first 19 games, including a two homerun performance against Missouri, being responsible for all of the RBIs in a 5-0 victory.
Kirker proved to be very reliable at first base, posting an astonishing .991 fielding percentage and a Pac 10 All-Freshman Honorable Mention selection.
Her great play continued unto the post season, leading her team to an appearance in the Women’s College World Series Championship game. Kirker committed no errors in 19 chances in a losing effort to UCLA.
Now a sophomore, Kirker did not find her season beginning so well. She lost her starting spot and did not earn it back until almost mid-way through the season.
“I was unable to make the top nine. Our coach is going to put the top nine on the field and if you aren’t part of that then you have to continue to work hard”
Since winning the spot back, Kirker has put up solid numbers in the infield. While her numbers have dropped, she is still playing well with a .983 fielding percentage.
Kirker has struggled with her batting this year. She is batting .191 with four homers and 18 RBIs.
“My individual season was not what i hoped it was going to be,” said Kirker. “I have been struggling to find myself as a player and have been in and out of slumps all year. But (I’m) still working hard to get out of those (and) not losing hope for a better tomorrow.”
As the post season arrived, her hitting has improved. In their last regional game against Texas Tech, she one for two with two RBIs and two walks.
With her team advancing to Super Regionals, they will face a tough Oklahoma team in a best of three series starting on Friday. The Sooners have gotten the best of Arizona this year, beating the Wildcats 10-1 and 5-3.
“Our team has never been more ready to play Oklahoma,” said Kirker. “This weekend, it’s our turn to come out on top.”
Not only is the team looking for revenge for their earlier matchups, the game is personal for Kirker.
“For me it’s exciting because their pitcher is great and she’s very challenging. Also, I am friends with the catcher, so it will be a good reunion.”
While the eighth seeded Wildcats will have their hands full with the ninth seeded Sooners, Kirker is confident and hopeful with her team’s ability.
“I feel as (if) we have a very good shot at winning a national championship this year. If our team stays on this roll and everyone continues to stick together and stays healthy, there’s no telling what we can do.”
Game one is scheduled for Friday at 8:30 pm Pacific time and will be broadcasted on ESPNU. Game two will be on Saturday at 2 pm and if needed, game 3 is scheduled for 4:30 pm the same day on ESPN. In addition, all three games can be viewed online at espn3.com
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