The UCLA softball team went on a roller-coaster ride this weekend. And by the looks of it, they might be stuck there for quite a while.
After demolishing a ranked Texas team, the No. 4 Bruins (14-3) fell short against Baylor. After a gutsy win against Northwestern, a 7-0 whipping from Ohio State.
Apparently, there is a search for consistency, a smoother ride.
The team was unable to adjust to an off-speed Ohio State pitcher Sunday, and this lack of recognition is of particular concern to coach Kelly Inouye-Perez.
“You can learn a lot in a win or a loss, and a lot of times a loss leaves an impression on you because it makes you focus on the things you need to work on if there is a vulnerability,” Inouye-Perez said. “We simply did not adjust to a change-up pitcher. I tip my cap off to her, she got us. I still think that we are capable of performing to a higher level and I am disappointed, but I believe that is something that we can continue to work on.”
Playing today at UC Riverside (4-9), the Bruins will look for fundamental, solid play from all sides.
“No matter who we play from here on out, I’m looking for consistency,” Inouye-Perez said. “I’m looking for our pitchers to get ahead in counts and compete. I’m looking for our offense to move runners and put ourselves in a position to score runs. I’m looking for our defense to play solid and play catch.”
And in the absence of All-American Katie Schroeder, several new faces have been thrust into the lineup. Among them is freshman Charlotte Dolan, who hit a key three-run home run against Northwestern.
“(Last weekend) was a big learning experience for our team and it exposed some of our weaknesses and things we need to work on as a cohesive unit,” Dolan said, “This week against UCR will be a big factor in how we bounce back as a group.”
Another concern was the ability of UCLA’s opponents to jump on them early during the game. In the game against Baylor, the Bears put up a five spot before the Bruins could respond. Against Ohio State, there was no response.
“When we are walking batters and giving them free passes, it’s not a very strong message,” Inouye-Perez said. “We are going to work on it and I guarantee that we’ll improve.”
UC Riverside is undefeated at home this season, and the Highlanders are more than ready to take advantage of a Bruin team still searching for an identity.
“Teams have given us a challenge and showed us what we need to work on,” Inouye-Perez said. “We don’t need to blow out teams right now, we just to reinforce what we believe ““ that we are capable of beating anyone.”