TUCSON, Ariz. -- Arizona softball's last two first-team All-American pitchers are going to the Olympics.
Taylor McQuillin (2016-19),
Danielle O'Toole (2016-17) and Team Mexico punched their tickets to Tokyo by winning the Americas Olympic Qualifier in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
McQuillin and O'Toole, who last pitched together for the Wildcats in 2017, teamed up once again this summer, helping lead the Mexican National Softball Team to its first ever Olympic berth. Mexico went a perfect 8-0 in the even, defeating Canada, 2-1 on Saturday to win the title and punch its ticket to Tokyo.
Team Mexico was led by its pitching, as McQuillin and O'Toole helped Mexico to an 0.37 team ERA. McQuillin went 2-0 and did not allow a run over eight innings. She was one of three qualified pitchers in the event to post a 0.00 ERA. O'Toole went 2-0 with a 0.49 ERA, fourth best among qualified pitchers in the event. Her 17 strikeouts over 14.1 innings ranked fifth in the event.
The lefty duo will now become Arizona's fifth and sixth Olympians all-time, joining Jennie Finch (2004, 2008), Lovie Jung (2004),
Caitlin Lowe (2008) and Leah O'Brien (1996, 2000, 2004). The other four all played for Team USA.
INTERNATIONAL CATS
- Mexico became the third team to qualify for the 2020 Olympics, joining host Japan and Team USA (2018 World Champions). Arizona senior catcher Dejah Mulipola, who is currently competing for USA Softball, and senior centerfielder Alyssa Palomino-Cardoza will look to join UA's list of Olympians when they participate in USA Softball's 2020 Women's Olympic Team Selection Trials, Oct. 1-6 in Oklahoma City.
- Two more former Wildcats are also still alive for Olympic berths. Chelsea Suitos (2012-15) and Lauren Young (2013-16) will hope to qualify with the Philippines in the Asia/Oceania Olympic Qualifier, Sept. 24-28.
- Pitching for Venezuela in the Americas Olympic Qualifier, Michelle Floyd (2014-17) was terrific. Floyd led the event with 23 strikeouts in 21.0 innings pitched while posting a 1.67 ERA over five appearances. Venezuela finished sixth in the event.
