TEMPE, ARIZ.-- Fresh off a 2018 season that saw Arizona State reach the Women's College World Series for the 12th time in program history, head coach Trisha Ford and the Sun Devil coaching staff announced the addition of 2018 Big West Pitcher of the Year, Cielo Meza to the Sun Devil pitching staff for the 2019 season.
Meza, a Fillmore, Calif. native, arrives in Tempe following an incredibly successful two seasons at Long Beach State that saw her collect Big West Freshman of the year honors in 2017, and Pitcher of the Year accolades in 2018.
In her first season in Long Beach, Meza pitched extremely well in her limited appearances, striking out 85 batters in 14 appearances before having her freshman campaign cut short by injury. The right-hander ended her first season of collegiate softball with a 6-6 record and a 2.59 ERA in 67.2 innings pitched. She ranked in the nation's Top 20 in strikeouts per seven innings, averaging 8.8.
After receiving a medical red shirt for the 2016 season, Meza fought her way back to finish her 2017 campaign ranked 20th in the nation with a 1.26 ERA in 66.2 innings pitched. Despite missing nearly all of the non-conference slate while recovering from her 2016 injury, Meza made 12 starts in the circle, throwing five shutouts and chalking up 56 strikeouts en rout to earning Big West Freshman Pitcher of the Year honors as well as a First-Team All-Big West nod.
Last season, Meza's sophomore campaign at LBSU, was her best yet. Meza led the way for the Beach, allowing just 44 runs on 85 hits to ean Big West Pitcher of the Year honors. Meza's 1.46 ERA ranked No. 26 in the nation following the end of the 2018 season, while her 3.45 hits per game ranked seventh in the nation.
The right hander is currently competing with a handful of past and present Sun Devils in the USA Softball International Cup, joining Dallas Escobedo as part of the Mexican National Team pitching staff.
Meza, a Fillmore, Calif. native, arrives in Tempe following an incredibly successful two seasons at Long Beach State that saw her collect Big West Freshman of the year honors in 2017, and Pitcher of the Year accolades in 2018.
In her first season in Long Beach, Meza pitched extremely well in her limited appearances, striking out 85 batters in 14 appearances before having her freshman campaign cut short by injury. The right-hander ended her first season of collegiate softball with a 6-6 record and a 2.59 ERA in 67.2 innings pitched. She ranked in the nation's Top 20 in strikeouts per seven innings, averaging 8.8.
After receiving a medical red shirt for the 2016 season, Meza fought her way back to finish her 2017 campaign ranked 20th in the nation with a 1.26 ERA in 66.2 innings pitched. Despite missing nearly all of the non-conference slate while recovering from her 2016 injury, Meza made 12 starts in the circle, throwing five shutouts and chalking up 56 strikeouts en rout to earning Big West Freshman Pitcher of the Year honors as well as a First-Team All-Big West nod.
Last season, Meza's sophomore campaign at LBSU, was her best yet. Meza led the way for the Beach, allowing just 44 runs on 85 hits to ean Big West Pitcher of the Year honors. Meza's 1.46 ERA ranked No. 26 in the nation following the end of the 2018 season, while her 3.45 hits per game ranked seventh in the nation.
The right hander is currently competing with a handful of past and present Sun Devils in the USA Softball International Cup, joining Dallas Escobedo as part of the Mexican National Team pitching staff.