Aug. 24, 2011

BERKELEY - In her first year of collegiate ball in the most demanding conference, pitcher Arianna Erceg earned herself wins against two top-ranked teams. In her 47.1 innings of work, Erceg went 5-3 with two of those five victories coming against Oregon and Arizona. On the other side of the ball, she had one hit and two runs scored in five at-bats for a .200 average. CalBears.com chatted with the Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., native to get the lowdown on her freshman year.

CalBears.com: Now that you've got one year of collegiate softball under your belt - what was the best part of the softball season?

Arianna Erceg: The best part of the season was being part of such a fun, determined and hard working team and making it to the World Series together.

CalBears.com: What was the best part about your fall or spring semester?

AE: The best part of the spring semester was being in season and being able to travel.

CalBears.com: After two semesters of college academics, what are you planning on doing differently or the same next semester in terms of school?

AE: After these past two semesters, I now plan on being more organized and getting ahead in readings and work.

CalBears.com: What is something you didn't know before you came to Cal but you now know?

AE: I now know that Berkeley is such a crazy place to live but that's what I love about it.

CalBears.com: What was the favorite class you took this year?

AE: Education 98.

CalBears.com: What was the best part about Cal softball this year?

AE: My favorite part about Cal softball was being apart of such a great team and making it to the World Series.

CalBears.com: What was it like to balance top-notch academics and playing on nationally ranked softball team?

AE: At times it was definitely stressful. But as the year went on, it became easier because I started to learn how to balance everything.

CalBears.com: What was the first trip to the postseason like for you?

AE: My first postseason trip was a ton of fun with being able to see a lot of new places and then making it to the World Series.

CalBears.com: What is one of your most hilarious or embarrassing stories from your freshman year?

AE: There are so many to choose from but funniest thing I saw was when LaRisa Jones fell out of a tree.

CalBears.com: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

AE: To work hard on and off the field and to enjoy every minute of it because it goes by way too fast.

Read all the Q&As and features from this season!

Read Erceg's first Q&A with CalBears.com!