Two months ago, Davis softball coach Mylei Zachman was the leader of a young, rebuilding team. With 10 rookies on the squad, the Darts started the season 2-5.

There was a lot of growing to do.

After finishing the remainder of the season 9-3 — including a four-game winning streak going into the playoffs — it appears the Darts have grown up.

"We were very up and down all year, and we play in a tough region with lots of good schools, but our kids kept battling," Zachman said. "They just came every day and tried to get better, and that's what we're after — getting a little better every day."

Junior Autumn Woodfall is a living example of that philosophy. After starting the season with a .150 batting average, she has gone on a tear as of late, hitting two home runs and two doubles in the Darts' final three regular-season games. She believes her work with Zachman after practice was the difference.

"She's one of the best coaches I've ever had," Woodfall said. "She's like the older sister that you always wanted. She connects to you as a coach, someone you can respect and look up to, but she also connects to you as a friend. She'd do anything for any of us."

Junior Dani MacKay — the team leader in doubles, RBIs, and batting average — likes the team's chances in the postseason. The team's most consistent player throughout the year, she feels the team has found its focus and is ready for the playoffs.

"We really came together as a team. We started off pretty rocky, and we had some rough games at the start, but I could really sense us come together. Once we realized that we could play with the top teams, we built on that," MacKay said.

Zachman agrees that her young team found their chemistry at the right time.

"I think our confidence right now is our biggest strength," she said. "We're going to play every game as well as we can play. We'll see where the bracket takes us. The goal is to focus on what we do well and to play our very best and see what happens." Big Number

—

35 • Davis scored 35 runs in its final four games, all wins. The Darts' average of 8.75 runs per game was more than three runs above their season average.

Player to Watch

—

Allie Smith • The team leader may not have the offensive numbers of the top 5A players, but she is one of the best defenders. According to coach Mylei Zachman, "Allie gets the job done so well you don't realize she's doing it."