The Super Regionals round is simple for No. 5-seed UCLA (45-13) softball.
Beat No. 12-seed Mississippi twice and go to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City. Lose twice and the season is over.
The Rebels will look to pull off the upset for a coveted spot in Oklahoma City. Their game plan is centered around a specific offensive identity.
“I can tell you their style of play of what I’ve studied of Ole Miss, they’re about the short game,” said coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. “They’re about slapping the ball, pounding the ground, putting balls in play and making the defense play catch.”
This offensive plan is evidenced by the Rebels’ team stats: 31 home runs – compared to UCLA’s 75 – and a .378 on-base percentage.
However, Inouye-Perez said she is confident UCLA possesses the players to combat this game plan.
“The opponent that we’re playing is going to bring in a style of play that is going to allow us to – I’m going to use the word – showcase our defense,” Inouye-Perez said. “I believe (senior shortstop) Delaney Spaulding and our middles have the ability to play catch.”
In addition to the infield, Inouye-Perez notes sophomore Paige Halstead’s strong arm is capable of anchoring the catcher position. Halstead’s arm will be responsible for containing Ole Miss, who stole 100 bases this season.
All in all, the Bruins’ circle will be a key part of stopping the Rebels’ attack.
Redshirt freshman Rachel Garcia, who was just named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, carries a 20-7 record, 1.84 ERA and 167 2/3 innings pitched into the Super Regionals. In the NCAA Regional, Garcia threw a no-hitter Friday against Lehigh followed by allowing only one run against Cal State Fullerton.
“She pounds the zone, she mixes speeds, she likes to get in those critical situations,” Inouye-Perez said.
Garcia is joined by juniors Selina Ta’amilo and Johanna Grauer. Ta’amilo will look to add to her 14-0 record, and Grauer brings a 11-4 record into the weekend.
“We would love for Rachel to just shut them down, but if she doesn’t then the rest of the pitching staff is going to be prepared,” Inouye-Perez said.
Flanking the Rebels’ short-game attack is the leader of their circle: ace Kaitlin Lee. The junior college transfer pitched the entire Southeastern Conference tournament and NCAA Regional en route to a 7-0 record.
“She’s a great pitcher. I think she really locates her pitches very well,” said senior left fielder Gabrielle Maurice.
Lee is the unquestioned leader of Ole Miss’ circle. She sports a 1.70 ERA over 239 innings pitched – pitching more than the rest of her staff combined.
“(Lee) seems to have a unique pitch that seems to be stopping people,” Inouye-Perez said. “She throws it inside to righties, I think it’s a backdoor curveball. It’s an inside pitch combined with a good off speed. And she works the strike zone on that inner half.”
The Bruins, as the higher seed, will own home-field advantage for two of three games.
“Familiarity – we have our field, we have our fans,” Inouye-Perez said. “Those are the things that you fight for to be that top eight.”
Game one between UCLA and Ole Miss will take place Thursday at 6 p.m. The series will continue with game two Friday at 6 p.m. and game three, if necessary, Saturday at 4 p.m.