UCLA back in ball game after probation

Wednesday, February 3, 1999

UCLA back in ball game after probation

SOFTBALL: With tough schedule ahead, six redshirted players hope
to revive competitive play quickly

By Kimberly Edds

Daily Bruin Contributor

UCLA softball can finally put their NCAA probation behind them
and concentrate on contending for their ninth national title.

Already picked to capture the Pac-10 crown ahead of a very
competitive field, the Bruins are ranked third in the nation behind
1998 NCAA champion Fresno State and 1998 runner-up Arizona.

This year, they have all of the pieces necessary to make a
national championship run.

Because UCLA was ineligible for post-season play last season,
they decided to redshirt a number of their top players in order to
save their eligibility for a season when post-season play was a
possibility. Among those redshirting the 1998 season were a pair of
1997 All-Americans, Stacey Nuevman and Christie Ambrosi, along with
All-Pac-10 performers Julie Marshall, Courtney Dale, and Julie
Adams. Freshman Crissy Buck also chose to sit out the 1998
season.

Lack of competitive play may be a factor for the six 1998
redshirts, at least in the beginning of the season.

"It will probably take us a few games to get back to where we
were," catcher Nuevman said.

If anything, the Bruins’ strong schedule will force these
players to get back to their level of play quickly.

UCLA faces their largest regular season schedule ever, facing
many of the country’s top teams before conference play even
starts.

The Bruins host Santa Clara in their season opener and then hit
the road for the majority of February and March. UCLA will play 21
tournament games in four tournaments before Pac-10 play starts.

At the Fresno State Classic, UCLA will come against several top
teams ranked in the 1999 pre-season USA Today/National Fastpitch
Coaches Association Coaches Top 25, including No. 1 and 1998 NCAA
Champion Fresno State, No. 11 DePaul, and No. 13 Long Beach
State.

The Bruins will also have some tough competition in No. 7 Texas,
No. 17 Hawaii and No. 19 Alabama.

Pac-10 opposition looks to be just as demanding with the
conference boasting six teams ranked in the top-25 including No. 2
and 1998 NCAA runner-up Arizona, No. 4 Washington, No. 14 Stanford,
No. 18 Arizona State, and No. 25 Oregon.

"We are expecting to be one of the stronger teams in the
Pac-10," UCLA head coach Sue Enquist said. "However, there are no
weak teams and no one we can take lightly."

UCLA shouldn’t have a problem competing with any team in the
nation because they have a lot of depth at every position.

The Bruins only weakness may be a lack of experience. But this
problem won’t be a problem for long after the Bruins are thrown
into the fire of their tough schedule.

Pitching isn’t going to be a question mark for UCLA, with Dale
and Amanda Freed splitting time between the mound and left field.
Dale posted an impressive 7-1 record in 1997, and Freed looks to
make an immediate impact in her first season of eligibility after
finishing up an impressive high school career. Stephanie Swenson
and Erin Weiler will also be called upon to add depth to the
rotation.

Another thing the Bruins aren’t lacking is power. UCLA’s lineup
is going to be something to fear, as it boasts power hitters at
almost every position.

Nuevman heads up the field hitting .457 with 20 home runs and 71
RBIs her freshman season. Nuevman also has a good chance of
breaking the UCLA career home run record this year, in just her
second season.

Sharing catching and first base duties with Nuevman is Marshall,
who hit .349 in 1997 with 10 home runs and 52 RBIs. Marshall is a
powerful batter who is capable of hitting to all fields.

The rest of the infield is rounded out with second baseman
Lyndsey Klein, who is extremely quick and can hit for power.
Shortstop Buck, who was touted as one of the top players in the
country last year, also figures to play well. Adams at third base
also adds to the teams offensive and defensive threat.

U.S. National Team member Christie Ambrosi will lead the Bruin’s
outfield squad, as well as lead off for UCLA. Ambrosi possesses the
ability to hit away or slap.

The only position in some question is right field, where four
players will be competing for playing time, including 1998
standouts Lupe Brambila, Karen Hoshizaki and Casey Hiraiwa, and
newcomer Erin Rahn.

If anything can describe this team, it’s enthusiasm. With their
talent, they are well on their way to making a run for another
national title.Daily Bruin File Photo

Pitcher Stephanie Swenson winds up in a game last season against
Washington.

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