Hard hitting Aussie provides immediate punch for softball

Hard hitting Aussie provides immediate punch for softball

By Rick Pal

The UCLA softball team unveiled a secret weapon during Spring
break. After her performances, however, she is no longer a
secret.

Tanya Harding, a 23-year-old junior transfer from Queensland,
Australia, is now, officially, a Bruin. Harding, strongly
considered attending UCLA two years ago.

A member of the Australian National Team, Harding debuted
against Washington on Monday, going two for three. She joins UCLA
at this point instead of the start of the season because of a
commitment with the Australian National Team.

"There are a number of things she brings to the program. She can
pitch, play first or right field. She’s very strong and a power
hitter," said co-head coach Sue Enquist. "She has experience and so
she is not going to get fooled very often.

"The only adjustment she has to make is hitting and pitching.
She is used to hitting from 40 feet and now she is hitting from 43
feet, so she will capitalize on the three extra feet."

Harding has made an immediate impact for the second-ranked
Bruins (24-2 overall, 9-1 in Pac-10). Batting in the cleanup slot,
Harding has hit .632 with two roundtrippers and nine RBIs in six
games. She takes over the cleanup spot from freshman first baseman
Kim Wuest.

"It’s going to be a difficult thing for opposing pitchers, with
a 23-year-old experienced national player batting behind Brundage,"
Enquist said. "More so than knowing a freshman is batting behind
Brundage. Coaches would usually have a tendency to attack the
freshman in that situation."

Additionally, Harding jumped into the pitching rotation against
Washington. She currently boasts a 3-0 record with 28
strikeouts.

***

Despite going undefeated during Spring break against San Jose
State, and conference opponents Oregon State and Washington, UCLA
looks to get back to form after lackluster performances, according
to Enquist. The Bruins face top-ranked Arizona on Saturday and
Sacramento State on Sunday.

"During finals week, our practice schedules were very jumbled,"
Enquist said. "We didn’t play very consistently during the Oregon
State and Washington series. There is no excuse for being flat
during Spring break even after we had a few days rest. Consistency
will be a key against Arizona and Sacramento State."

First baseman Alleah Poulson, All-American third baseman
Jennifer Brundage, shortstop Nicole Odom, and pitcher/designated
hitter Harding all had strong series nevertheless. Poulson took
over the team RBI lead, with 29 RBIs. Brundage continued her torrid
hitting pace, as she leads UCLA in home runs and batting
average.

***

During the Saturday’s Arizona games, UCLA will retire former
Bruin Debbie Doom’s jersey.

"Doom was special because she was at her best when it mattered
the most," said Enquist.

Doom joins Enquist as the only two softball players inducted in
the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame.