Duke Softball Bolsters Bullpen with 2 Major Transfer Portal Additions

The Duke Blue Devils added two powerful arms to their pitching staff. | Duke Athletics

The Duke Blue Devils picked up major additions to their pitching staff on Sunday. Former Louisiana Ragin Cajun Mallory Wheeler and former UIW Cardinal Larissa Jacquez announced on Sunday through X that they are continuing their careers in Durham.

Go blue devils ! 😈💙 pic.twitter.com/Nthn3a4ieA

— Lari (@larissajacquez) June 15, 2025

So excited to be a Blue Devil! Thank you @DukeSOFTBALL for this opportunity! @DukeCoachYoung @CoachTaylor_W @prstaggs @oliviaadyan pic.twitter.com/FhImFZ1Nqd

— Mallory Wheeler 2024 (@2024_mallory) June 15, 2025

In her debut season with Louisiana, Wheeler posted a 3.82 ERA with 11 wins, a .274 opponent batting average, and 73 strikeouts in 122.2 innings of work. She will have three years of eligibility remaining with the Blue Devils.

🗣 Hear ye, Hear ye: Mallory Wheeler spins a 𝗡𝗢-𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥!#GeauxCajuns pic.twitter.com/qP4kvvJMOG

— Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns® Softball (@RaginCajunsSB) May 2, 2025

In her sophomore season with UIW, Jacquez had the lowest ERA in the Southland Conference and the 12th in the NCAA at 1.65. She tossed a career-high 148.2 innings, with 151 strikeouts and a .208 opponent batting average, making her one of less than 10 pitchers in the conference to earn 10 wins on the season. She will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Blue Devils.

Just the 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠…

Larissa Jacquez is the SLC’s Pitcher of the Week! 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/4elAtPQUiT

— UIW Softball (@UIWSoftball) April 8, 2024

With ace Cassidy Curd going into her senior year, Duke is building one solid bullpen for the 2026 season. 

More News: Texas Tech Softball Postseason Hero Transfers to North Carolina

More News: Texas Tech Softball Loses Star Infielder to Transfer Portal

More News: Boston College Announces Beth Krysiak as Head Coach