Softball bites at chance to play Bulldogs Saturday
By Daily Bruin Staff
Feb. 22, 1996 9:00 p.m.
Softball bites at chance to play Bulldogs Saturday
Intra-state rivalry to continue in Fresno
By Brent Boyd
Daily Bruin Contributor
After being rained out of two doubleheaders last weekend in
Northern California and with storms reeking havoc with its practice
schedule this past week, the UCLA softball team is happy about
heading out of rain-soaked Southern California in search of dry
land.
The Bruins will most likely get their wish Saturday when they
travel to the valley to renew their bitter intra-state rivalry with
No. 3 Fresno State.
The last time Fresno State opened at home against the Bruins was
three years ago, in front of 3,500 spectators – the largest
single-date, regular-season attendance record in the NCAA. Look for
history to be repeated or even surpassed this weekend as the game
marks the opening of Fresno State’s "New" Bulldog Diamond.
"The important thing we need to do is to avoid getting caught up
in all the hype," UCLA co-head coach Sue Enquist said. "We can’t
get caught on an emotional roller coaster or we’ll fall short."
The Bulldogs are stronger than last year’s 50-19 club that
missed the World Series for only the second time in the past nine
years. FSU returns seven starters and 11 letter winners from a year
ago, including standout junior right fielder Robyn Yorke, a
two-time first-team All-American as well as preseason All-American
this year.
However, Fresno State does lose junior left fielder Laura Berg,
the team’s second All-American from a year ago, as she will sit out
the season in preparation for the 1996 Olympics.
The Bulldogs’ pitching staff should also be a strong point.
Junior Jennifer Clark returns after a 19-win season, and will be
supported by sophomore transfer Kim Peck, as well as freshman
Lindsay Parker.
"Fresno has got a great team, we just need to have our
experience and maturity show, and we should do just fine," Enquist
said.
The Bruins should be ready after opening the season with seven
wins in its first eight games. Kelly Howard leads the team with 14
hits, with a .519 clip, while sophomore Kim Wuest has supplied the
power for UCLA, hitting five home runs and knocking in 12 RBIs
already this season.
The pitching staff also seems to be coming around. After
struggling against California, B’Ann Burns shutout UC Santa
Barbara, allowing only three hits to the Gauchos. Kaci Clark earned
her 12th straight victory with a win over the Gauchos in game two
of the doubleheader.
"I’d be lying if I said this was just another game," Enquist
said. "This should be a real battle and a real joy to watch. I just
feel lucky to be a part of it."Comments to
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