The way the top-ranked Bruins started the UNLV Classic, the
umpires may have worried about running out of softballs.
UCLA set a school record with six home runs in its tournament
opener against No. 9 Nebraska, winning 10-1.
The Bruins (9-0) won all five games this weekend, including
three wins over top-15 opponents.
“I think we were all just seeing the ball really well. We
took advantage of every opportunity,” right fielder Caitlin
Benyi said.
Benyi and catcher Emily Zaplatosch each hit three homers in the
tournament.
Zaplatosch did most of her damage on Friday, hitting 4-for-6
with three home runs, seven RBI and five runs.
Two of the homers came in the record setting game against
Nebraska. Andrea Duran, Jodie Legaspi and Lisa Dodd also hit home
runs in the game.
Benyi’s first home run, a two-run shot to left field, gave
the Bruins a 10-1 lead, invoking softball’s mercy rule in the
bottom of the fifth inning.
“We have a lot of offensive strengths that we can all put
together,” Zaplatosch said. “If one is not working then
somebody will definitely pick the other teammate up.”
In the next game, facing No. 13 DePaul, the game stayed close
until the top of the fifth inning.
Already leading 3-2, the Bruins knocked Tracie Adix, the Blue
Demons starting pitcher, out of the game as they scored five more
runs.
Zaplatosch hit her third home run in the sixth to give the
Bruins a 10-2 lead, again invoking the mercy rule.
“Hopefully the majority of this will carry over,”
Zaplatosch said. “The whole team hit well all
weekend.”
The Bruins’ toughest test came on Sunday when they faced
No. 8 Michigan.
UCLA struck early, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first
after Benyi and Duran drew back-to-back walks.
That would be enough run support for Keira Goerl (5-0), who
scattered seven hits but did not allow a run as the Bruins won
3-0.
On Saturday, the Bruins shut out both of their opponents,
winning 5-0 over Portland State and 8-0 over Wisconsin.
“I think we have great potential and showed it this
weekend against some good clubs,” coach Sue Enquist said.