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Arizona softball walks off No. 15 Arkansas, run-rules Omaha to remain unbeaten

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Arizona softball walks off No. 15 Arkansas, run-rules Omaha to remain unbeaten


Arizona softball didn’t run-rule an opponent for the first time this season, but instead got its first victory over a ranked team in walk-off fashion.

The Wildcats beat No. 15 Arkansas 3-2 on Friday afternoon and followed that up with a 13-2 win over Omaha in the Bear Down Fiesta to improve to 9-0.

“Our offense one through nine is just amazing,” first baseman Carlie Scupin said. “Top to bottom. We have speed, we have power, we have it all. So, our mentality this year has just been pass the bat. If you can’t do it, the next person can do it.”

Here’s what happened in Friday’s two games:

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Game 1

In game one for Arizona, sophomore Aissa Silva got her second start of the season. She went 3.1 without allowing a run and giving up only one hit in her first stint of pitching in the game.

Miranda Stoddard took over in relief for Arizona in the top of the fourth after Silva gave up her first hit of the game and a right-handed batter came up to the plate.

At the start of the sixth inning, Lowe decided to bring back Silva in relief to try and close this game out. Silva on the day ended with the win (4-0) by pitching 5.1 innings, allowing two hits, two earned runs in 55 total pitches (28 strikes).

Arizona’s offense stayed hot in the first inning against No. 13 as Dakota Kennedy in the lead-off hit a double into left field. Then a hit-by-pitch and two walks loaded the bases and drove home the first run of the game, 1-0.

A couple batters later Kaiah Altmeyer drove in another run on a groundout to the shortstop, 2-0.

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In the fourth inning and a base runner on second for Arkansas, Kennedy made a jumping catch at the wall which saved a run and kept the Razorbacks scoreless.

“Honestly, defensive, offensive, can’t say enough. She’s just out there and she’s hungry for the ball,” Caitlin Lowe said on Kennedy’s play. “Whether she’s got a bat in her hand or glove in her hand. And I will say those were really tough plays, some of the hardest plays as an outfielder.”

Arkansas had the seventh inning as its last chance for runs and delivered a two-run shot to right-center field, 2-2.

In the bottom of the seventh Regan Shockey made it to first on an infield single, beating out any chance to throw her out at first and a walk by Kennedy brought up Carlie Scupin with a chance to end it.

Scupin ended up striking out swinging but the ball went into the dirt so Arkansas had to make the play at first for the out. On the throw from catcher to first base Shockey ran home and an indecisive moment by Arkansas allowed Shockey to win it for Arizona, 3-2 to stay perfect.

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“Scup (Scupin) did a good job of getting down the line creating havoc, and it’s just I need to score for my team and let’s get this win,” Regan Shockey said.

Game 2

Freshman Brooke Mannon started on the mound for Arizona in game two against Omaha. In the game Mannon pitched 2.0 innings, allowed two hits, one earned run and one strikeout in 27 total pitches (15 strikes).

At the start of the third inning, UA brought in Ali Blanchard for relief. She ended up with the win pitching 3.0 innings, giving up four hits, struck out three on 64 pitches (37 strikes).

Omaha struck first in the first inning when Allie Skaggs made a dive in the infield to try and end the top of the first but her throw was just too late to first and Omaha scored, 1-0.

Arizona didn’t take long to strike back, adding a four run first inning.

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Kennedy stayed hot in lead-off and hit a single and following her Scupin drove a ball against the wall for a double and brought home Kennedy, 2-1.

Following Scupin in the order Olivia DiNardo added another two runs with a home run to left field, 3-1.

Two batters later Altmeyer reached first by beating out the throw and using her speed and then stole second the very next pitch setting up an RBI single for Emily Schepp, 4-1.

UA followed up its four-run first inning with a seven-run second inning.

After two hits by Arizona, DiNardo drove a single down the middle which brought in a run, 5-1. Right after DiNardo, Skaggs came up to bat and drove a three-run home run to right center, extending their lead to 8-1.

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In the same inning after hits by Blaise Biringer and Altmeyer, Schepp hit a three-run homer to left center field, 11-1.

To start the top of the third inning with Blanchard in relief for Arizona, Omaha had two straight hits which allowed base runners on second and third. On the very next batter a wild pitch allowed a run to score, 11-2.

Shockey’s big night continued in the third inning after she reached first and stole second and power-hitter Scupin drove her home with a double to right center, 12-2.

With runners on the corners, Biringer drove a single to left center bringing home another insurance run for UA, 13-2.

UA ended this one early after the top of the fifth inning, 13-2.

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Next up

Arizona again faces Arkansas at 2 p.m. MT Saturday, then wraps up the Bear Down Fiesta Sunday at 11:30 a.m. MT against Omaha.



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Biggest Winners, Losers from Colorado’s Embarrassing Loss To Arizona

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Biggest Winners, Losers from Colorado’s Embarrassing Loss To Arizona


The Colorado Buffaloes’ 52-17 loss to the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field on Saturday evening tells a story far louder than the final score.

The low attendance of 48,223 and the steady stream of students and fans leaving by the third quarter reflects a painful reality of Colorado coach Deion Sanders’ second consecutive blowout loss.

However, in the difficult quiet of the postgame, “Coach Prime” offered the answer the program needs right now in the form of accountability.

“It’s on me. Don’t attack the coordinators. Come at me. Don’t attack the players. Come at me. It has everything to do with me,” Coach Prime stated, also confirming that no players would be available to speak after the loss.

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Boulder Colorado Buffaloes Deion Sanders Arizona Wildcats Coach Prime Julian Lewis Kaidon Salter Winners Losers Football CU

Jul 9, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis speaks with the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images / Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

After cycling through fellow quarterbacks Kaidon Salter and Ryan Staub, the immediate future of the offense appears to be settled. The loudest cheers of the entire evening were reserved for true freshman Julian Lewis coming into the game.

Lewis rewarded that faith quickly, delivering the first passing touchdown of his young college career with a beautiful 59-yard strike to Omarion Miller. Lewis’ poise and impressive movement in the pocket, even as the game spiraled out of control, was encouraging.

Though Lewis finished the game with an injury (forcing Dominiq Ponder in), his performance earned him the keys to the offense moving forward.

Coach Prime noted that while he isn’t sure of Lewis’ exact thoughts on the four-game redshirt limit, he was “glad he got an opportunity.”

With Lewis now positioned as the primary starter, the decision, barring injury, likely closes the door on the Salter era.

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Boulder Colorado Buffaloes Deion Sanders Arizona Wildcats Coach Prime Julian Lewis Kaidon Salter Winners Losers Football CU

Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Tawfiq Byard (7) celebrates his interception in the fourth quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The defense, which was scorched repeatedly by explosive plays to the tune of five touchdowns of 56 yards or more in the last six quarters, suffered a massive blow with the ejection of safety Tawfiq Byard for targeting with just over eight minutes remaining.

Byard, who has consistently been the Buffs’ best defensive player, will now be forced to sit out the first half of the critical road game at West Virginia. That loss of leadership and production will be felt next week.

Boulder Colorado Buffaloes Deion Sanders Arizona Wildcats Coach Prime Julian Lewis Kaidon Salter Winners Losers Football CU

Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) passes the ball under pressure from Arizona Wildcats defensive lineman Leroy Palu (95) in the first quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Veteran quarterback Kaidon Salter struggled to generate offense all night, managing just 49 yards passing on 11-of-15 attempts before being benched late in the first half. He suffered a critical strip-sack that led directly to an Arizona touchdown, continuing the turnover trend.

Staub’s brief appearance in the third quarter was equally disastrous. He was benched after both of his passes were intercepted, with one being returned 59 yards to the Colorado 17-yard line. His lack of consistency compounded the mounting problems.

With the Buffs having cycled through three quarterbacks on the night and Lewis now having taken meaningful snaps, it appears to be Lewis’ time to lead.

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MORE: Deion Sanders Didn’t Hold Back On College Football’s Firing Frenzy

MORE: Defensive Coach Rips Colorado Buffaloes’ ‘Embarrassing’ Loss To Utah

MORE: Is This The Beginning Of The End For Deion Sanders In Colorado?

Boulder Colorado Buffaloes Deion Sanders Arizona Wildcats Coach Prime Julian Lewis Kaidon Salter Winners Losers Football CU

Sep 20, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Omarion Miller (4) celebrates a touchdown reception in second quarter against the Wyoming Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

In a game defined by turnovers and the defense struggling, wide receiver Omarion Miller was a consistent bright spot, as he accounted for both of Colorado’s touchdowns.

He first capped off the team’s longest drive of the season with an 8-yard touchdown strike from Salter. His second score was a beautiful, momentum-generating 59-yard touchdown catch from Lewis.

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Miller proved he is a reliable and explosive target who can connect with any quarterback in the system and gives the Buffs a consistent threat to build around.

Boulder Colorado Buffaloes Deion Sanders Arizona Wildcats Coach Prime Julian Lewis Kaidon Salter Winners Losers Football CU

Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes reacts in the first quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

With the team falling to 3-6, the challenge of finding three wins in the final three games to secure bowl eligibility seems monumental.

However, Coach Prime’s immediate and unequivocal acceptance of responsibility sets a powerful tone. His decision is a clear statement that the failures start at the top.

The final three weeks are about bowl status and defining the culture of accountability and perseverance that Coach Prime has promised. The Buffaloes need to finish strong and show a resolve and fight that matches the faith their coach places in them.



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Arizona Head Start programs face uncertainty amid government shutdown

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Arizona Head Start programs face uncertainty amid government shutdown


PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Around 17,000 children in Arizona are currently enrolled in Head Start programs. But funding uncertainty amid the ongoing government shutdown threatens to disrupt the help the program gives.

The 60-year-old federally funded program helps the youngest in a community by providing education, nutrition and family services to help set children up for success.

“I love watching when families and children enter our program,” said Keri Flathers, the child development manager at Educare Arizona. “It’s a concern on everyone’s minds.”

According to the National Head Start Association, 140 programs nationwide will lose their operational funding if the government shutdown continues into November, including about 210 kids and 37 staff in Arizona.

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“For Head Start programs, the November 1st date has a significant impact. One, because there’s many grantees who are still waiting for their notice of award to continue providing services. But then we also serve families that are SNAP recipients,” said Eve Del Real, president of the Arizona Head Start Association.

Program grants are approved on a rolling basis, but the longer the government shutdown lasts, the greater the impact. Del Real says more than 2,200 kids could be impacted by December, depending on how the shutdown continues to play out.

“One of the biggest challenges that we have in projecting out how to prepare if a notice of award does get issued is the backlog of fiscal actions,” Del Real explained.

Without the Head Start program, Del Real said it could be devastating for families who rely on it.

“Families would have to rely then on unlicensed care or relying on family, friends, neighbors, to be able to compensate for the loss of this service,” she said.

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Arizona Cardinals injury report: Kyler Murray limited Thursday

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Arizona Cardinals injury report: Kyler Murray limited Thursday



Check out the Cardinals’ first injury report of Week 9.

The Arizona Cardinals opened their practice week on Thursday for Monday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. Back from their bye, there was a short “bonus” practice Tuesday, but this is the first injury report of the week.

Back on the practice field were cornerback Garrett Williams, who is on injured reserve (IR), and outside linebacker BJ Ojulari, who is on reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP). Each began their 21-day practice windows this week with Williams on Tuesday and Ojulari Thursday.

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Injured in training camp on Aug. 2, Ojulari revealed Thursday that he tore other ligaments in addition to the ACL and said the rehab has “been hell, for real.”

Defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, who is also on PUP, returned to practice prior to the Week 7 game against the Green Bay Packers.

The full details of the first injury report are below. Starters are noted with an asterisk.

Cardinals Thursday injury report: Did not participate

  • T Kelvin Beachum (not injury related/rest)

Limited participation

  • S Kitan Crawford (ankle)
  • RB Emari Demercado (ankle)
  • WR Zay Jones (knee)
  • *QB Kyler Murray (foot)
  • DL Walter Nolen III (calf/practicing while on reserve/PUP)
  • LB BJ Ojulari (knee/practicing while on reserve/PUP)
  • *CB Garrett Williams (knee/practicing while on IR)

When asked prior to Thursday’s practice what the “mile markers” are for Murray returning to play, head coach Jonathan Gannon said, “Get him fully healthy (to) play.” When asked if Murray is being prepared to start, Gannon said, “Yeah.”

Crawford and Demercado were inactive for the game against the Packers in Week 7.

Cowboys Thursday injury report

Did not participate

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  • S Alijah Clark (ribs)
  • LB Jack Sanborn (groin)
  • S Donovan Wilson (elbow/shoulder)

Limited participation

  • T Ajani Cornelius (knee)
  • LB DeMarvion Overshown (knee/practicing while on reserve/PUP)
  • CB Shavon Revel Jr. (knee/practicing while on reserve/NFI)
  • *LB Tyler Smith (knee)
  • *S Juanyeh Thomas (migraine)
  • DT Perrion Winfrey (back/practicing while on IR)

Full participation

  • C Cooper Beebe (ankle/practicing while on IR)
  • *DT Kenny Clark (elbow)
  • DE Marshawn Kneeland (ankle)
  • CB Reddy Steward (thigh)

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.



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