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Softball searches for consistency after uneven string of tough games

Senior outfielder Kaila Shull and the No. 3 Bruins will head to Riverside and to square off against the UC Riverside Highlanders today, who are undefeated on home turf. The team will focus first on fundamentals.

By Chris Chen

March 2, 2010 10:06 p.m.

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.”

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