Freshman Ivy Davis entered the lineup for Arizona for the last two games in the Tucson Regional and batted against North Dakota State and Mississippi State. Now, the Huntington Beach, California, native is headed to the Super Regionals against No. 3 UCLA with the rest of the Wildcats.
Davis is hitting .231 with four homers and 17 RBIs in 52 at-bats for the Wildcats (43-14) this year. The Star caught up with her Monday to talk about the end of her first collegiate season and the upcoming rivalry games.
As a freshman, what does it mean to be able to do what Arizona does best and play in the postseason and move on to the Super Regionals?
A: It’s amazing. It’s just so much fun to be a part of it, and just to get the opportunity to be in there is even more exciting. We’re in every pitch, no matter whether we’re in the lineup or not. Just to be able to be on the field and be able to contribute to it, it’s awesome.
Did Arizona’s history of postseason play contribute to your decision to come to Arizona?
A: Definitely. Seeing, even on our field, all the trophies on our outfield wall is amazing. And it’s just something that I’ve always wanted to be a part of. Just making history, being a part of history — it’s awesome.
Knowing that you have to travel for the Super Regionals, as compared to last year’s team that was able to host, does it make it more difficult? Or, because you’re a freshman and this is your first collegiate postseason, is it a clean slate?
A: I don’t really know what it’s like, but I think it’s going to be fun either way. Especially with these two teams, it’s going to be a crazy rivalry. I think it’ll be good.
What’s your knowledge of the Arizona-UCLA rivalry?
A: I just know it’s something I watched growing up for years and years. It’s intense and it’s two amazing teams with a lot of history of coming together. So, it’s going to be crazy.
What can fans expect to watch?
A: I think they’re going to see a lot of energy. I think they’re going to see competition to the last pitch, the last out and I think it’s going to be exciting all the way through.
What would you say is the biggest thing coach Mike Candrea has taught you throughout your first year here?
A: Just getting used to the faster game, the faster pace of college softball, rather than travel ball, where I was the oldest one, the biggest one coming in facing older girls. It’s just slowing down and taking it all in, and being comfortable with what we’re doing.
Comparing the regular season to the postseason, is there any difference in the way Candrea approaches the team or practices?
A: We kind of just take it the same. Every game is important. Every game was important in the whole season. We know how to play and we take it game-by-game. The energy is a lot bigger, but we’re just playing game-by-game.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve taken away from your freshman year?
A: It’s been a lot of growth and a lot of learning, but I definitely just take in that you can’t let it get too big for you. You just slow it down, play your game, relax and it comes easily.
Was there ever a turning point for the team at the end of the season?
A: I think we’ve kind of had ups and downs. We started strong, we had a few bumps, then we came back, came strong, had some bumps. I don’t know if it’s been one major turning point, but we’ve definitely overcome some obstacles.
What have you learned from overcoming those obstacles?
A: We learned that, when we do come together, it can be amazing and we can get each other through those tough times. So, whatever comes at us, we can handle it.
