Monday, March 3, 1997
By Melissa Anderson
Daily Bruin Staff
When the clouds finally lifted at the San Diego State
Invitational this weekend, the UCLA softball team conjured up a
storm of its own, winning the tournament title with a perfect 7-0
record.
The Bruins (20-4) were rained out Thursday, but it was clear
sailing from there on out as UCLA crushed Ball State and Oregon,
11-2, 19-0 respectively, and knocked off Illinois-Chicago, 2-0 in
Friday’s action.
"Our goal at the tournament was to be consistent; not too high
or too low, and we saw that," UCLA head coach Sue Enquist said. "We
are starting to play with more authority and confidence."
In a continuance of Thursday’s game, UCLA finished off the host
Aztecs, 13-0, and defeated Oklahoma State, 6-2 Saturday before
beating Oregon State, 5-0, and Loyola Marymount, 1-0 Sunday
afternoon.
UCLA received clutch offensive performances from Laurie Fritz
and Julie Marshall as well as freshman catcher Stacey Nuveman, who
was named tournament MVP after belting six home runs over the
weekend.
Pitchers B’Ann Burns and Christa Williams pitched three games
apiece while Courtney Dale garnered one victory.
"Our pitching was very good for us this week," Enquist said.
"All of them know they need to improve, but they are doing what
they need to do to keep us in the ball game."