As the UCLA baseball team closes out its disappointing season
this weekend at home against Washington, it has found solace in
finishing on a positive note. The Bruins have won four of their
last seven games, which might not be an eye-opening streak but is
still a considerable improvement when compared to the 19-game
losing streak earlier this season. The recent success has been due
largely to the offensive productivity of the top of the lineup.
Leadoff hitter Josh Roenicke went 6-13 with four RBI last week
against Washington State, which helped the Bruins secure their
first series victory in Pac-10 play. While the Bruins as a team
have improved recently, pitcher Hector Ambriz has been steady
throughout. Ambriz boasts a 3.77 ERA, but has only a 3-6 record,
largely reflecting a lack of run support. His win Friday against
the Cougars was his first since Feb. 25. MEN’S TENNIS: Two
days after helping the Bruins capture the NCAA team title, Benjamin
Kohlloeffel keeps on winning. The sophomore, who went undefeated
during the Bruins’ title run, advanced to the Round of 16 in
the individual tournament yesterday after posting a 6-7 (0), 6-2,
6-3 win over Virginia’s Rylan Rizza. Earlier in the week, the
Bruins had defeated Rizza’s Cavaliers, although the two did
not play each other since Kohlloeffel played No. 2 singles while
Rizza played No. 3. Kohlloeffel, who was named the ITA Rookie of
the Year, will next face Luke Shields of Boise State today.
WOMEN’S TENNIS: Freshman Riza Zalameda became the first
Bruin since 1995 to reach the semifinals of the NCAA individual
tournament with her 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 win over second-seeded Julie
Coin. “I never expected to make the semis,” Zalameda
said. “I have really exceeded my own expectations.”
Zalameda did not fare as well in her quarterfinal doubles match.
Partnering with Daniela Bercek, the duo fell to Stanford’s
Amber Liu and Anne Yelsey 6-3, 6-0.
Compiled by David Woods and Andrew Finley, Bruin Sports
senior staff.