Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Aubrey Davis of Fort Dodge makes a play at Rogers Park.

The ascension of Aubrey Davis is a big reason why Fort Dodge has not only equaled, but slightly surpassed, last year’s record-setting regular season in softball.

Now it’s time for the Dodger senior and her teammates to again shift into make-or-break tournament mode.

Davis has enjoyed a breakout year at the plate and in the field as one of second-ranked Fort Dodge’s catalysts. She’s increased her personal average nearly 100 points — the second baseman is batting .390 — and Davis has committed only three errors for the Dodgers, who will carry a 32-6 record into Saturday’s regional semifinal at Rogers Park.

“I think we’ve exceeded expectations so far — even compared to the goals we set for ourselves,” said Davis, a four-year varsity letterwinner who moved to Fort Dodge from Salina, Kansas in middle school. “We definitely rely a lot on our chemistry; we always joke around a lot and have fun with each other.

“We’re like a big family. I think that helps (keep the program moving forward). We look out for each other.”

The Dodgers were 36-8 overall a year ago, reaching the state quarterfinals in rather surprising fashion. There was no flying under the radar this season, as Fort Dodge was ranked in Class 5A’s Top-3 from start to finish.

Davis has scored 40 times, driven in 26 runs and stolen nine bases in 2019. She also leads the squad in sacrifice bunts, and has struck out only seven times.

Davis has 74 RBI, 116 runs scored and 33 stolen bases over the course of her career.

As a senior who has played in over 150 games and been to state twice already, Davis and fellow recent FDSH graduate Daphne Alstott have worked through more reserved natural personalities to use their experiences and lead by example.

“Coach (Andi Adams) always talks about the importance of leadership, and that it just has to come in ways that fit us best,” said Davis, who plans on attending Iowa Central and majoring in early childhood education. “So Daphne and I have tried to do that even more now as seniors.

“All of this goes by really fast. We’d love to make it to state a third time, obviously. We’ve all put so much time into this, from the days of Pride all the way through working hard in the offseason and fall ball and with our dads helping us out. Now is the time to step up and make it count (in the tournament).”

Davis was a co-captain on the junior varsity volleyball team, and earned numerous scholarships upon graduation. She also received the gold cord for overall grade point average, membership into National Honor Society the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, and the FDSH leadership cord as well.

The Dodgers take on either Sioux City East (18-14) or West (4-26) on Saturday at Rogers Park. The winner faces 14th-ranked Des Moines East (26-13) or Ankeny (18-17) for a spot in the state field.

TIMEOUT WITH AUBREY DAVIS

Vacation destination: Hawaii.

People I would like to have dinner with: my great grandma Pat, my great aunt Peggy, and my old friends from Kansas.

It would surprise people that I: like to fish.

My everyday role model: my mom.

I can’t go a day without: my phone.

Nickname: Aubs.

Superstition: goals and no-goods before every game.

Most heated rivalry: Valley or Dowling.

Favorite road trip: staying overnight at the Linn-Mar Tournament.

What are you listening to right now? Ride For Me.

Favorites…

Team: Iowa State Cyclones.

Class: Circle of Friends.

Movie: The Benchwarmers.

Phone app: Snapchat.