UCLA softball has been tested early and often this season, faltering at times and rising to the occasion at others.
The Bruins have gone 4-8 in crucial matchups against ranked teams, looking like an entirely different squad from the one that dominated unranked opponents. UCLA has also gotten off to shakier start than in past seasons to open up Pac-12 play and as a result is currently tied for fourth in the conference with a 2-2-1 record.
However, with its back against the wall following a tough series against then-No. 10 Washington, UCLA responded well on Tuesday with a confidence-building victory over Cal State Fullerton.
“We’re really pushing forward and learning from any mishaps we had,” said sophomore catcher Madeline Jelenicki.
Although Tuesday’s win over Fullerton showed the team is learning to adapt following a less-than-perfect beginning to its Pac-12 schedule, the road ahead does not become any easier. Beginning Friday, No. 16 UCLA (20-10-1) will face its most important challenge to date when it travels to Eugene, Oregon, to take on the top-ranked team in the Pac-12 in No. 4 Oregon (26-4).
“Washington and Oregon are two of the toughest competitors in the conference so it’s a tough two weeks for us,” said coach Kelly Inouye-Perez.
Records aside, these three games against the Ducks have larger meaning for the Bruins. UCLA has struggled mightily at times this season and not looked like the dominant team that it has historically been. The Bruins started off the season ranked No. 7, but have been steadily slipping in the rankings since and now sit at No. 16.
While UCLA may not be the top team in the country or even the Pac-12 right now, the Bruins have flashed signs of dominance at times, posting lopsided victories when both the pitching and hitting come together.
“Once we reach our full potential it’s scary what can happen,” Jelenicki said.
However, Oregon holds some clear advantages over UCLA heading into this weekend’s competition.
The Bruins have been able to rely on their offense for run support all season long. UCLA is consistently scoring, putting up at least two in all but three games this season.
Sophomore second baseman Kylee Perez has made significant strides in her second year, developing into a formidable force batting behind ever-dependable senior outfielder Allexis Bennett at the top of the order. They are first and second in both hits and batting average, respectively, for the Bruins. Jelenicki is currently UCLA’s hottest hitter though. She is on a five-game hit streak and has homered in each of the last two games.
Despite the Bruins’ offensive proficiency, the Ducks’ are even more potent offensively this season. Oregon currently has the second best team batting average in the country of .376 and scores the fourth most runs per game with 8.67.
Junior infielder Nikki Udria and senior outfielder Koral Costa lead the charge for the Ducks. They each have a batting average above .475, ranking within the top 16 in the country.
Oregon also holds the upper hand in the circle. UCLA’s pitching has appeared erratic from game to game behind sophomores Selina Ta’amilo and Johanna Grauer. However, against Cal State Fullerton, the duo was effective, surrendering only four runs combined and striking out seven.
“If we can carry the momentum (from Fullerton) into Oregon this weekend we are going to do a really good job,” Ta’amilo said.
The Bruins will need to be effective in limiting the amount of runs the Ducks score because their pitchers are stingy. Oregon has the 21st lowest team ERA in the country at 2.23. Senior southpaw Cheridan Hawkins overpowers hitters, leading the nation in strikeouts per seven innings with 12.3.
This weekend promises to be trying for UCLA. The Bruins figure to find themselves down runs here or there, but Jelenicki feels that how they respond when down will be telling.
“Punching back – I think that’s going to be big for us this weekend,” Jelenicki said. “Just bouncing back … I’m confident that will happen for us.”
UCLA’s first game against Oregon will be Friday night.