Watch: 10 best things Arizona Wildcats said in practice before UCLA Super Regional
As the Cats prepare for the Super Regional at UCLA, watch what Mike Candre and the Wildcats had to say.
The best in the west
Updated
“It was a wonderful day,” said UA coach Mike Candrea of his team’s last home game before Hillenbrand gets a face lift.
Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
The Arizona Wildcats softball team will play in its fifth consecutive Super Regional championship this week, but will have to play Pac-12 rival UCLA in a three-game series in Los Angeles.
Earlier this season, the Wildcats were swept by the Bruins at home and haven't played at UCLA since 2017.
Despite the familiarity with the opponent, it won't be stress-free for the Wildcats. UCLA has a 54-5 overall record and is 25-3 at Easton Stadium, which is a smaller venue than Rita Hillenbrand Stadium. And the Bruins are led by star sophomore pitcher Rachel Garcia who was last year's National Fast Pitch Coaches Association National Freshman of the Year.
Garcia has a 25-3 record this season and allowed eight runs in five games in the Regional.
The Arizona-UCLA rivalry dates back to when Mike Candrea first started his tenure at UA in 1986. Since then, both programs have combined for 17 national championships.
Candrea, Ashleigh Hughes, Jessie Harper, Dejah Mulipola, Ivy Davis, Alyssa Palomino and Taylor McQuillin all met with the media before the Wildcats take off for Westwood, here's what they had to say.
Initial thoughts from coach
UpdatedArizona head coach Mike Candrea on facing UCLA in the Super Regional: pic.twitter.com/DmgKp4n1ED
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 21, 2018
Pure 'hate'
UpdatedAshleigh Hughes on the rivalry with UCLA: “It’s like our rivalry between us and ASU, you just hate them. Every time we meet, it’s a clash of history.” pic.twitter.com/AgqpiOrTqy
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 21, 2018
Memory lane
UpdatedMike Candrea recalls the time when Arizona first beat UCLA on the road: pic.twitter.com/t4lJ7Sw0Ad
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 21, 2018
Don't judge a stadium by its cover
UpdatedDon’t let the size of UCLA’s Easton Stadium fool you, it’s a hostile environment. Just ask Alyssa Palomino: pic.twitter.com/GVuu0Sr6SG
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 21, 2018
Different this timearound
UpdatedArizona was swept by UCLA during the regular season. Alyssa Palomino thinks “this weekend for sure is going to be completely different.” pic.twitter.com/wWASKsWnLQ
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 21, 2018
Choosing UA over UCLA
UpdatedDejah Mulipola on being recruited by UCLA in high school and why she chose UA over the Bruins: pic.twitter.com/cD2UGpYnX4
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 21, 2018
McQuillin's dominance
UpdatedArizona ace Taylor McQuillin on her performance during postseason, and remembering the regular season series against UCLA: pic.twitter.com/APZThl5CQk
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 21, 2018
Confidence against Garcia
UpdatedJessie Harper on facing UCLA’s star pitcher, Rachel Garcia: “I have confidence in our team that we’re gonna be able to hit her. She’s thrown over 500 pitches this last week so they’re definitely riding her arm out.” pic.twitter.com/q71tD2X0LX
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 21, 2018
Familiar with enemy lines
UpdatedDejah Mulipola on the familiarity with UCLA and its stadium: pic.twitter.com/NWuRbTuLEB
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 21, 2018
Learning as a freshman
UpdatedIvy Davis on adjusting to the college pace in her freshman season at Arizona: pic.twitter.com/x4JwClQxB2
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 21, 2018
