Completed Event: Softball versus No. 2 Seed Oklahoma State on May 7, 2026 , Loss , 0, to, 7
Final Score
Softball
0
vs No. 2 Seed Oklahoma State
7
The University of Utah Athletics
2017 Utah Softball Season Preview: Infielders
2/1/2017 3:15 PM | Softball
Strength up the middle and opportunity at the corners
SALT LAKE CITY - With just one week before opening day, UtahUtes.com will preview the upcoming 2017 season with a breakdown of Utah's roster.
This is the finale of a three-part series on Utah's student-athletes at each position.
INFIELDERS
Utah's strength lies up the middle with two returning standouts, Hannah Flippen and Anissa Urtez.
Flippen, the Utah second baseman, won about every accolade possible last season as she was named a NFCA All-American and Pac-12 Player of the Year. After an outstanding season on the diamond, and in the classroom (2016 Academic All-American), she was rewarded with a spot on the U.S. National Team.
Flippen paced the Pac-12 with a .542 batting average, a 1.034 slugging percentage and a .667 on-base percentage
"Hannah continues to add pieces to her game every year," head coach Amy Hogue said. "Even though it seemed she had hit her peak last season, she came back stronger and faster, which is obviously ideal for our sport. She is always evolving."
At shortstop, the Utes return First Team All Pac-12 selection Anissa Urtez. She paced the league in doubles last season and also led the Utes while ranking among the top 10 in the conference in hits and runs batted in.
She finished second on the team in a number of categories including batting (.380) and slugging (.533). She was named to the Mexican National Team this summer and when teamed with Flippen, turned 41 double plays, second most in the nation.
"I really think Anissa is ready to light it up," Hogue added. "Offensively, she looks as good as I've seen. Her maturity level has allowed her game to soar but she still plays with a chip on her shoulder. She will lead us again in a bunch of different areas."
With the loss of Kristen Stewart at third base, Heather Bowen will shift over to the left side of the infield. The junior started 55 games last season and finished second on the team with 34 runs batted in. She drove in a team-high seven during a win over No 24 Oregon State
"Heather was voted as a captain along with Katie and Hannah," Hogue said. "She is really leading this team while coming into a new position at third base. It's time for her to have a breakout year offensively. She has done everything necessary to have this be her year."
Bridget Castro returns at first base after starting 48 games at the position last season and the Utes also added BreOnna Castaneda and Ryley Ball. Castaneda was an All-American and New Mexico's Gatorade Player of the Year while Ball earned All-State honors at nearby Fremont HS.
"Bridget's swing looks very solid after a great fall and is clearly the most experienced at first base," Hogue said. "BreOnna improved the most coming into spring and is the ultimate competitor. She refuses to lose and simply finds ways to get the job done. Ryley was undoubtedly our most improved player this fall."
This is the finale of a three-part series on Utah's student-athletes at each position.
INFIELDERS
Utah's strength lies up the middle with two returning standouts, Hannah Flippen and Anissa Urtez.
Flippen, the Utah second baseman, won about every accolade possible last season as she was named a NFCA All-American and Pac-12 Player of the Year. After an outstanding season on the diamond, and in the classroom (2016 Academic All-American), she was rewarded with a spot on the U.S. National Team.
Flippen paced the Pac-12 with a .542 batting average, a 1.034 slugging percentage and a .667 on-base percentage
"Hannah continues to add pieces to her game every year," head coach Amy Hogue said. "Even though it seemed she had hit her peak last season, she came back stronger and faster, which is obviously ideal for our sport. She is always evolving."
At shortstop, the Utes return First Team All Pac-12 selection Anissa Urtez. She paced the league in doubles last season and also led the Utes while ranking among the top 10 in the conference in hits and runs batted in.
She finished second on the team in a number of categories including batting (.380) and slugging (.533). She was named to the Mexican National Team this summer and when teamed with Flippen, turned 41 double plays, second most in the nation.
"I really think Anissa is ready to light it up," Hogue added. "Offensively, she looks as good as I've seen. Her maturity level has allowed her game to soar but she still plays with a chip on her shoulder. She will lead us again in a bunch of different areas."
With the loss of Kristen Stewart at third base, Heather Bowen will shift over to the left side of the infield. The junior started 55 games last season and finished second on the team with 34 runs batted in. She drove in a team-high seven during a win over No 24 Oregon State
"Heather was voted as a captain along with Katie and Hannah," Hogue said. "She is really leading this team while coming into a new position at third base. It's time for her to have a breakout year offensively. She has done everything necessary to have this be her year."
Bridget Castro returns at first base after starting 48 games at the position last season and the Utes also added BreOnna Castaneda and Ryley Ball. Castaneda was an All-American and New Mexico's Gatorade Player of the Year while Ball earned All-State honors at nearby Fremont HS.
"Bridget's swing looks very solid after a great fall and is clearly the most experienced at first base," Hogue said. "BreOnna improved the most coming into spring and is the ultimate competitor. She refuses to lose and simply finds ways to get the job done. Ryley was undoubtedly our most improved player this fall."
Players Mentioned
UTIL
/ Softball
3B
/ Softball
UTIL
/ Softball
1B
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball
SS
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