Lindsey Pluimer has spent her first year and a half in Westwood
trying to fit into the UCLA program, as a core player used to
complement the “triple threat.” The 6-foot-4 sophomore
forward, who was mostly a perimeter player in high school, has been
asked to transform her game ““ and even her workout regimen
““ to provide the Bruins with a swift-footed post player
instead of just another finesse perimeter shooter. Until recently,
Pluimer has been struggling in her new role, but the last couple of
weeks may have changed that. In its recent road trip to Washington,
UCLA (10-7, 5-3) got an offensive boost from Pluimer, who scored 31
points and grabbed 14 rebounds over the two-game road split.
Pluimer scored a career-high 19 points against the nationally
ranked Huskies, and 12 against the Cougars. Even more impressively,
she grabbed seven rebounds against the Huskies all-Pac-10 performer
Cameo Hicks. Pluimer also shared the ball with Noelle Quinn, Lisa
Willis and Nikki Blue, adding a new dimension to the UCLA attack.
“It’s a sweet reward to be getting the ball in some key
wins, because I have done what has been asked of me to win,”
Pluimer said. “I would always prefer us to win, no matter how
I played. “But everyone wants to do well, it validates our
work. To do well when we win is the ideal situation.” Pluimer
came to UCLA as a tall, skinny wing player out of San Clemente High
School. Since her arrival, she has been trying to gain weight and
get stronger in hopes of becoming a consistent rebounder. Pluimer
currently averages 10.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Her
statistics and role on the team have been steadily increasing
““ facts not lost on anyone, considering the impending
graduation of senior stalwarts Blue and Willis. “I am going
to be counted on to be a team leader over the next few
years,” Pluimer said. “Getting more touches and
factoring into the game more often is nice, but I know that I will
have plenty of time to score.” Pluimer and the rest of the
Bruins will need their best performances against the Trojans on the
road this weekend. The Trojans are currently a game ahead of the
Bruins in the Pac-10 race.
PITTS ON THE MEND: Junior forward Julia Pitts,
who has been inactive since the season opener after arthroscopic
surgery on her right knee, started practicing with the team last
week. Barring a setback, she is expected to be cleared to play in
the coming weeks. She is currently practicing with the team at
half-speed, wearing a protective brace intended to help slowly
build back mobility and strength. After initially hoping Pitts
would be back at the start of conference play, coach Kathy Olivier
is now anticipating the return of her forward as soon as she is
ready. Pitts’ career at UCLA has been marred by chronic knee
problems dating back to her freshman year. She redshirted last
season while undergoing rehabilitation, but her right knee required
another surgery just before the Bruins travelled to Baylor for
their first game.