The pitcher with the second-lowest ERA in the Pac-10 last year
may not even be in this year’s rotation.
Michelle Turner, whose ERA of 0.83 last year was second only to
teammate Keira Goerl, returned from shoulder surgery last
weekend.
The top-ranked and undefeated Bruins (13-0) now have three
healthy pitchers, yet most softball teams only use two.
“I’m going to give an open opportunity for them to
win rotation spots,” said coach Sue Enquist.
“It’s going to be up to them.”
Goerl (7-0) has dominated opponents this season. She has only
given up two earned runs in 47 and one-third innings, while facing
the Bruins’ toughest opponents in preseason tournaments.
Her role as UCLA’s hard-throwing ace is unlikely to change
since she is the school’s all-time wins leader.
But there is some uncertainty for Turner and freshman Lisa Dodd
(5-0,) who stepped up as the team’s second pitcher in
Turner’s absence.
Both players said they understand if they do not end up
starting, given what the team’s other pitchers have done on
the field.
“They’re great pitchers, and it’s not a downer
on me if I’m sitting while they’re playing,” Dodd
said.
Dodd has thrown three shutouts in her five starts and has held
opponents to a .140 batting average, the same mark as Goerl.
Enquist started the season by giving Dodd starts against weaker
competition, but so far, the freshman has proved herself.
“Right now, I’d feel comfortable throwing either
(Goerl or Dodd) at anybody,” Enquist said.
Dodd said she is not worried about possibly taking a backseat
with Turner’s return.
Last season, Turner went 14-0 in her starts. In her 2004 debut,
Turner (1-0) gave up two runs against Penn State last Saturday.
Both pitchers are hoping to work their way into a place in the
pitching order.
“I’m just going to keep working hard, and hopefully,
I’ll be in the rotation somehow,” Turner said.
“It’s going to be kind of hard because they’re
both doing very well right now.”
Goerl said the team is stronger now with Turner healthy,
regardless of who ends up starting which game.
“Everybody can get the job done,” Goerl said.
“We’re stronger than if there’s just one or two
of us. We’re stronger by numbers.”
Enquist said she has not decided who will pitch which game this
weekend, to say nothing of the conference schedule.
Given what her team’s pitchers are capable of, Enquist may
be forced to make a difficult decision if they all pitch well.
“I’d love to have that problem,” Enquist
said.