Now that the Nebraska softball team is 5-0 in the postseason, it's officially time to take things to the next level at the Women's College World Series later this week. Speaking about how the Huskers are preparing for their opening round game against Arkansas, senior Ava Kuszak talked about how she and her teammates are coping with being on the big stage and how they prepare for every game.
The veteran, who mans the hot corner at third base, told the assembled media on Monday that the team has leaned on Jordy Frahm and Hannah Coor, who have both been to the WCWS with the Oklahoma Sooners. OU is a powerhouse in college softball, even though it was knocked out in the super regional round and won't travel to Oklahoma City.
"Yeah, we actually had them talk about it today since they've had so much experience there," the Nebraska star said. "I mean, and they've succeeded there in those big, huge moments. The biggest thing is just taking that environment in. And then after that, two minutes of taking that all in, move on and just lock in on what we need to do. I think Hannah said it best: 'We're not changing, but the place is changing.' And all you have to do is focus on us and you don't have to change a single thing about us."
How the Huskers, who are going to the WCWS for the first time since 2013 will deal with the big stage was a topic of conversation during Kuszak's entire press conference. When asked how she and her teammates are dealing with the moment not going to her head, she pointed to how well the team played in the regional and super regional, as well as winning the Big Ten Tournament.
Ava Kuszak says Nebraska softball is not changing its identity for the WCWS stage
"I think, especially after these past two weekends with how busy and how crazy our fan, like, that entire amazing atmosphere has been, I think... using that and having our routines, keeping those the same. I think we've harped on that throughout practice."
"And even that practice we have on Wednesday is showing up. Having that practice...and by the time that day comes, you've already kind of practiced it. So I think practice— we've always just kind of always had a fast-paced practice to make us get our heart rates up, get us feeling like we're in a high-pressure situation, and then we're ready to play once it happens."
It's worth noting that Nebraska has already faced some unusual moments. In the regional, the Huskers struggled to score many runs, but leaned on their pitching to close out their opponents. In the super regional, they even had to wait out a long storm delay before eventually picking the game up the next day, and still pounding Oklahoma State into a pulp.
The Nebraska softball team has managed to stay calm and carry on through one of the best seasons in program history. It would be foolish for any team in the Women's College World Series to expect Ava Kuszak and her teammates to fold now.
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