TUCSON - Arizona softball opened its season with a 10-2, mercy-rule victory over Southern Utah on Thursday night in the first game of the 16-game Hillenbrand Invitational.

Danielle O'Toole shook off early-game jitters to hurl a gem in her Wildcat debut while the offense backed her with 10 runs on 12 hits. O'Toole, a transfer from San Diego State pitching for the first time since 2014, retired the final 12 batters after allowing just two hits, both solo homers. O'Toole Faced just two over the minimum in her complete-game debut. The redshirt junior struck out six Thunderbirds.

Nancy Bowling, who also used a redshirt year in 2015 while dealing with a medical issue, made her return a memorable one. Bowling, a pitcher who has been used sparingly in the batter's box in her career, received the start at first base. She homered to center in her first at-bat.

Bowling's home run was the only long ball of the night for Arizona, which hit 104 home runs a season ago. Lauren Young chipped in with two doubles and two runs batted in to lead the offense.

Eva Watson led the Wildcats with a trio of hits, three bunt singles down the first base line. Watson also stole two bases in the contest.

In addition to Bowling and Young, who each batted in two runs, Hillary Edior (2), Katiyana Mauga (2) and Alexis Dotson (1) each recorded RBI on the night.

Up Next: The Hillenbrand Invitational continues tomorrow with six games. The Wildcats will be in action beginning at 4 p.m. when UA takes on Southern Utah followed immediately by North Texas. For a complete schedule of the Hillenbrand Invitational, check here.

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