Failure can be taken one of two ways: merely an inability to succeed, or an opportunity to make amends. The UCLA softball team prefers the latter.
The Bruins said they have decided to utilize the disappointing end to the season last year – an upset loss to the No. 14 seed Kentucky Wildcats in the NCAA Super Regionals – as motivation to propel their work in the offseason.
“Clearly at the end of last season, having been the winningest team in the country and not getting it done, definitely leaves a fire in your gut,” said coach Kelly Inouye-Perez.
What started off as a season full of championship aspirations ended in an unexpected disappointment. But instead of sulking in the letdown of an early exit, the team has decided to move forward with the same title expectations.
“We are definitely taking last year and we’re using it as motivation to stay focused, and hopefully finish things out,” said senior first baseman Stephany LaRosa.
While the season does not officially start until the spring, the Bruins have already begun what they expect to be an even more successful campaign.
“Coming off last year, we had a great year to a rough ending,” LaRosa said, “But last year is in the past.”
UCLA faced off against Cal State Northridge on Wednesday in what was the last of its three fall exhibition games. These exhibition games serve as yet another instance in which the Bruins can prepare for the redemption of last year.
Inouye-Perez views the exhibitions as a launching pad for the season to come by, providing time to experiment with new lineups, integrate incoming freshmen and see how the team will mold together during the regular season.
“We get a great opportunity to see people in new roles,” Inouye-Perez stated, “to have different people side by side.”
The Bruins understand that in order to keep from ending the season the same way they did last year, now is the time to make the necessary changes. And the players love what they see so far.
“I’m working on a lot of different things pitching-wise ,” said senior pitcher Ally Carda, who finished last season as a finalist for the 2014 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award. “So (the offseason) is more of an individual challenge for me.”
So, while the grind of fall ball is in full effect for the players and with the regular season games not beginning until February, the goal for the season has remained in focus – the end resulting in a championship.
“Obviously, our motivation is getting to the World Series.” Carda said. “Winning it is our goal.”