Arizona softball to host Danielle O’Toole, Taylor McQuillin and Team Mexico in March

Photo by Jacob Snow/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Former Arizona softball All-American pitchers Danielle O’Toole and Taylor McQuillin will return to Hillenbrand Stadium this spring when the Wildcats will host the Mexican National Team for a three-day, round-robin style event on March 26-28.

Team Mexico is preparing for the 2020 Olympics. New Mexico and BYU will be the other teams participating in the event, which is being dubbed the Bear Down Fiesta.

Here is the full schedule:

Thursday, March 26

BYU vs. Team Mexico (exhibition) — 3:30 p.m.

Arizona vs. BYU — 6 p.m.

Friday, March 27

New Mexico vs. Team Mexico (exhibition) — 1 p.m.

BYU vs. New Mexico — 3:30 p.m.

Arizona vs. BYU — 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 28

Arizona vs. New Mexico — 12 p.m.

Arizona vs. Team Mexico (exhibition) — 2:30 p.m.

The Wildcats will also be hosting senior catcher Dejah Mulipola and Team USA on Feb. 18 as they prep for the 2020 Olympics.

Here’s what Arizona coach Mike Candrea, McQuillin, and O’Toole had to say about the Bear Down Fiesta.

Candrea: “I’m very excited to host the Mexican National Team and welcome two Wildcat greats, Taylor McQuillin and Danielle O’Toole, back home to Hillenbrand“It’s an honor to welcome another team in its training for the 2020 Olympics. We’re excited for another opportunity to compete against of the best athletes in the world and thrilled for our fans to get another opportunity to watch Taylor and Tooly take the circle once again at Hillenbrand. It will be a great weekend of softball.”

McQuillin: “There are not enough words to truly explain how excited I am to play another game at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium. For as long as I could remember, it was a dream to play for the University of Arizona and being able to represent the University and community of Tucson was the greatest opportunity Coach Candrea has given me. Arizona Softball means more to me than I can even express and being able to represent my family background and Team Mexico at my favorite place to be is yet another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Since my senior season ended, I kept saying that I would give anything to play another game in Arizona’s stadium, and I feel like another dream of mine has just come true. Finding out I get to play a few more games at Rita brought tears to my eyes because without this amazing opportunity to play with Team Mexico, this would have never been possible, and for that, I am forever grateful. I cannot wait to be in Tucson again during season!”

O’Toole: “No matter the reason, I always love my time at Rita (Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium). Whether it’s coming back for alumni weekend or playing in preparation for Tokyo 2020, I can’t help but feel ecstatic and blessed to spend time around the coaches and players who changed my life, the current members of the Arizona team, and the fans who love to support their Wildcats no matter where they are. I look forward to this opportunity. Rita… we’re coming home.”

from Arizona Desert Swarm - All Posts https://ift.tt/2EpnkSB
via IFTTT