The Arizona Wildcats struggled with injuries in the circle this season, but next year they should have a full complement again. In addition to the six returning pitchers, they will be adding former Iowa State righthander Saya Swain as a grad transfer.
Swain has spent four years at ISU, but her 2024 season was cut short due to a back injury just two weeks in. Despite this setback, she showcased her talent, achieving a career-best 2.07 ERA in 23.2 innings across seven appearances, including one start. During this time, she accumulated a 4-1 record and secured her eighth career save, demonstrating her prowess with 24 strikeouts and only nine walks.
Throughout her career, Swain has been known for her ability to strike out batters. In 2023, she ranked 34th in Division I with an average of 8.6 strikeouts per 7 innings, a feat she also achieved in 2022, where she held the same ranking.
Initially starting her college journey as a starter, Swain made 15 starts as a freshman, resulting in a 1-5 record with a 5.40 ERA in 35 innings pitched, marking the only season where her walks outnumbered her strikeouts.
Blessed to be able to finish out my career as an Arizona wildcat. Wildcat nation, let’s ride! 🐻⬇️❤️💙@ArizonaSoftball pic.twitter.com/y4oOwQ7JbN
— Saya (@Saya_Swain27) June 13, 2024
Transitioning into her sophomore year, Swain continued to make an impact, with 20 of her 31 appearances coming as a starter. During this season, she recorded a 4.32 ERA in 97.1 innings pitched, striking out 120 batters while walking 72 and conceding 13 home runs.
In the subsequent year, Swain underwent a shift to a reliever role towards the end of the season. Despite making 37 appearances, only 12 were as a starter. She concluded the season with a 5-9 record and six saves, setting a single-season saves record. Notably, she tallied 120 strikeouts, 70 walks, and a 3.87 ERA, with 12 of the 82 hits she allowed being home runs.
