The past few weeks, in which the Bruins are undefeated, have
seen UCLA start rolling as the players have responded to coach Jill
Ellis’ intensity.
UCLA has ridden that momentum to a No. 4 national ranking, and a
13-1 record, 3-0 in Pac-10 play. The Bruins are currently riding a
nine-game winning streak, having lost only to No. 1 Penn State in
double overtime.
This weekend UCLA faces off against the Washington schools, two
programs seemingly going in the opposite direction as the
Bruins.
After reaching the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament last
year, Washington (0-12-3, 0-4 Pac-10) has fallen on hard times
having gone winless in their last 16 games.
Washington State (8-6-1, 1-3) has fared slightly better but has
not pulled in any wins on the road since mid-September.
Still, Ellis hasn’t allowed her team to overlook their
conference foes. The team has spent the week focusing on executing
a consistent defensive strategy, allowing them to focus on anybody
who happens to be in the opposite color jersey.
“I think the preparation starts at not looking at your
opponents,” said Ellis. “It’s how you’re
getting ready for games regardless of who you’re playing.
“The important thing for us is not to look at who’s
on the other bench or in the other jersey, but to look at more what
we can do to be consistent in our preparation and our mentality
stepping on the field.”
The key to UCLA’s ability to avoid an upset against a
struggling opponent, Ellis said, will come from the players’
adherence to their coach’s mantra.
Heading into the weekend, the message has become clear: come out
of the gates strong, and don’t take anybody lightly.
“We’re still preparing for (Washington and
Washington State) like it’s any other game,” said
junior defender Bristyn Davis. “Anything can happen in
soccer.”
Senior captain Jill Oakes also preaches her coach’s
message.
“The key is to not worry about who (the opponent) is,
prepare just the same as any other weekend and focus on
ourselves,” said Oakes.
“It really shouldn’t matter who’s on the other
side of the ball.”
The Bruins however, shouldn’t need any extra motivation or
focus when they square off against Washington State on Sunday.
All they need to do is look at the history of the match-up.
After winning nine-straight games against the Cougars, UCLA was
upset last year 1-0 on the road in Pullman.
“Losses always stick in your mind, and I think the players
will be looking forward to that,” Ellis said.
“Last year I just don’t think all 11 players were
ready to play for the game,” said Davis.
The Bruins expect to be well-prepared to face anybody they line
up against.
“I think there’s a little feeling of redemption to
be made,” said Oakes. “We do feel like every team we
play this year, we want to win.
“This is my last year, so I don’t want any feelings
of regret when I leave UCLA,” Oakes added.