All things considered, it was going to take a good dose of fortitude for the Bruins to pull through last weekend.
The first handicap: Junior forward Sydney Leroux ““ who leads the team in goals this season with six ““ was miles away from Westwood, training with the U.S. Women’s National Team in Kennesaw, Ga.
Then there was the issue of the weekend blues. Prior to Sunday, the Bruins had been winless in the second games of two-game weekends this year.
But none of those shortcomings mattered at the conclusion of UCLA’s 1-0 win against Santa Clara that completed a perfect weekend and signified a significant step forward.
“Winning both games and finishing out the weekend like we did, it boosted our confidence,” freshman midfielder Jenna Richmond said. “We’ve realized now that we can do it. When we can come out ready on Friday, we’ve got to come ready to play on Sunday.”
According to coach Jillian Ellis, the buildup in aplomb certainly showed during practice on Tuesday, the first time that the team was back on the field since Sunday’s match.
“During training (on Tuesday), you could just sense some great energy from the players,” Ellis said. “They definitely feel, and should feel, good about what they accomplished last weekend because to do that against two quality opponents was just great for their confidence.”
Sophomore forward Ahsha Smith in particular has been making some headway as of late. After suffering a season-ending left knee injury last year, Smith has steadily rounded into her pre-injury form.
She scored her first goal of the season on Sept. 17 against Denver and fired off two shots on goal this Sunday, all while battling a case of food poisoning.
“At first, it was hard for me because I was worried I’d do something else to my knee,” Smith said. “But I think I’ve overcome that, and now I’m just building my confidence back up.”
Still, the realities of the season won’t allow much time to reflect upon the strides and accomplishments. Leroux will miss out on the Bruins’ home match against Pepperdine on Friday, while Ellis has taken to a wait-and-see approach before making any declarations that her team has turned the proverbial corner.
“Around every bend, there’s another corner,” Ellis said jokingly. “We have one game this weekend that comes at a great time, before conference play. The players can enjoy a weekend off and also recover a bit physically.
“Friday night will determine if we’ve turned the corner or not.”
First-time scorer, first-time forward
Freshman midfielder Chelsea Braun scored the first goal of her collegiate career in the 87th minute of the Bruins’ 2-0 victory over San Diego on Friday, a feat that couldn’t have made her feel any better.
“It felt exhilarating; it felt like I was flying,” Braun said. “(Dana Wall) played me a perfect ball, and the rest is history.”
Also making a debut of sorts was Richmond, who started her first collegiate game as a forward on Friday. Although scoreless this weekend, she has four goals on the season and played on the frontline in high school.
“It was fun,” Richmond said. “I’ve played (as a forward) before with my club team in high school, so I’m pretty used to it. It feels good playing up there with (Zakiya Bywaters), and it’s a new surrounding.”