Softball: Rainstorms test Bruins’ flexibility

Coming off a week where starting pitcher Anjelica Selden was
named Pac-10 Pitcher of the Week, it would be assumed that the
Bruin softball team would have notched more than one victory over
that span. But recent rainstorms permitted the Bruins to play only
two of their scheduled 11 games over the past two weekends ““
a loss to Syracuse and a convincing win over Georgia. After the
stunning loss to Syracuse two weeks ago, the fourth-ranked Bruins
seemed intent on recapturing the killer instinct that propelled
them to a national title in 2004. They seemed to show it last
weekend when they shut out No. 20 Georgia in the opening game of
the Campbell/Cartier Classic. Since that victory, their ability to
practice or play has been severely limited by the rain. With
practices recently being moved indoors to the Wooden Center, the
team’s flexibility has been challenged.They have had to
adjust to not being able to get the feel for the game that an
outdoor environment provides. “Good talent has always been
flexible and resilient,” head coach Sue Enquist said. The
players are even putting a positive spin on the situation.
“If anything, it’s worked to our advantage,”
sophomore shortstop Jodie Legaspi said. Despite being able to hold
modified practices, the lack of actual games played recently does
give Enquist a small reason for concern. “The rain affects
rhythm,” Enquist said. “And all we are looking for is
for our players to be emotionally disciplined.” With five
upcoming games this weekend at the Palm Springs Classic, including
a showdown with No. 3 Texas, the Bruins are hoping to work out
their kinks ““ weather permitting, of course.

LOOKING FOR OFFENSE: Though Selden pitched an
outstanding game against Georgia, there still remained more to be
desired on the offensive end. With the exception of Andrea
Duran’s double and solo home run, the majority of the players
struggled to get into rhythm at the plate. The Bruins scored just
two runs on four hits. “This team has a great foundation, but
they need to remain sharp,” Enquist said. And with games
against tougher competition just around the corner, the Bruins need
to make sure they are as sharp as can be.