For UCLA, Tuesday’s exhibition against Team USA wasn’t a game really.
That the Bruins were on the losing end of an 8-2 final score was trivial.
The night was a celebration.
It was a celebration of former Bruin coach Sue Enquist who was honored by the national team before the game.
It was a celebration of UCLA softball as a program, 11 national championships and five alumnae playing on the field they still call home, this time in red, white and blue uniforms.
But most of all, it was a celebration of UCLA softball legend Lisa Fernandez.
The Bruin with the most national team wins of all time, and the ace of a pitching staff that helped earn Team USA three consecutive Olympic gold medals was in the circle Tuesday night, facing off against the team she coaches and used to play on.
She threw the ceremonial first pitch.
She struck out the first hitter she faced with a change-up that froze all 1,050 breathless fans in Easton Stadium.
She pinch hit with two outs in the top of the seventh and smashed a ground ball through the hole at second that trickled all the way to the wall for a double.
And then, after the final pitch had been thrown, she left her dirty red cleats out in the circle, after what may have been her final game, ever.
Little wonder she got five standing ovations throughout the night.
“It couldn’t have been any better,” she said through tears. “They always talk about once you’re a Bruin you’re always a Bruin, and especially here on the softball team, we’re family. To be able to go out there in front of your family, both immediate and extended, because that’s what the Bruins are ““ what better way to do it? It’s been a difficult month, but I’m proud of the Bruins, proud to be able to throw against them, and to have that be my final game; I couldn’t ask for a better situation.”
As for the game itself, Julie Burney’s line drive home run that just squeaked over the fence was the bright spot on offense for the Bruins.
But a profound silence engulfed Easton in the top of the third when a ball sailing toward second to catch a runner stealing nailed pitcher Anjelica Selden in the head. Despite the scare, Selden faced two more hitters before being replaced.
But on a night that was full of excitement and strange happenings, Fernandez was the story.
This month has been rough for Fernandez because when the final roster for the 2008 Olympic team was selected, the game’s winningest pitcher was informed she’d be a replacement.
But 37-year-old Fernandez still loves the game.
“It’s overwhelming,” she said. “Obviously I don’t sit there and think I’m someone’s favorite, but I just think I’m Lisa Fernandez and I love to play this game. If I can bring joy and happiness to the people watching it, that’s what it’s all about.”
Before the game, 10-year-old fan Isabella Berouti was adorned in a Team USA jersey. When asked who her favorite player was and why she loves softball, she responded without hesitation.
“Lisa Fernandez.”