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UCLA softball rested and ready to go at Campbell/Cartier Classic in San Diego

Still easing her way back from a right leg injury, senior Donna Kerr is expected to play during the Campbell/Cartier Classic held in San Diego today and Saturday.

Softball

Campbell/Cartier Classic
Friday and Saturday
San Diego
Follow GameTracker on UCLABruins.com

By Min Kang

March 4, 2011 7:13 a.m.

The ship known as the UCLA softball team was stirred, swayed ““ shaken, even.

Last week at the Cathedral City Classic, the team in question went from imposing to vulnerable, one loss on the season to three, No. 2 to No. 6.

But the Bruins, perhaps more so than any of their counterparts in the country, know those early-season jolts can be swiftly countered with a full-strength team. And while a complete roster’s worth of availability still eludes them, the lack of a midweek game this week has seemingly done wonders.

“It’s good to get some more practices in,” said senior pitcher Donna Kerr, who made her return from a right leg injury Friday against Oklahoma.

“Last week, because of the midweek game (against Cal State Northridge), we only had two days of practices, so it’s nice to get back out onto the field, get some ground balls and for the pitchers to get a bullpen workout in.”

With the extended rest now utilized, the Bruins (13-3) are back in action this Friday and Saturday, taking part in the Campbell/Cartier Classic in San Diego.

UCLA goes up against Brigham Young (7-10) late Friday afternoon before facing Baylor (16-1) that evening, then ends its stay by playing San Diego State (8-7) for the second time this season, followed by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (2-13).

But if injuries are going to continue to short-staff the Bruins for the time being, a newcomer has emerged to successfully shoulder much of the burden.

After going 0-for-3 in her first two collegiate games, freshman catcher Alyssa Tiumalu has been on a tear, batting 16-for-32 since then to raise her batting average to .457 on the season, tops on the team.

A former Bruin catcher herself, coach Kelly Inouye-Perez has certainly come to appreciate the contributions of her stalwart freshman, and not just for her bat.

“There are always high expectations for the (catcher) position, because it’s very demanding, but to come in as a freshman and play the way that (Tiumalu) has ““ she just has a great presence,” Inouye-Perez said on Sunday. “I couldn’t be more proud of how she manages the game; she’s a great leader, she’s got a great glove, she’s done a great job of communicating and she’s also contributing very heavily offensively.”

Although Tiumalu herself shrugged her success off as a mere “see-the-ball, hit-the-ball approach” at the plate, her teammates insist there is more to it than simple logic.

“It’s really great having her behind the plate because she’s just so calm and confident,” freshman pitcher Jessica Hall said of her teammate. “And with her hitting, she’s silent but deadly, we call her.”

“With that walk-off, two-run home run (against Northwestern on Sunday), she’s really shown she’s starting to fit in,” Kerr added.
With rest and Tiumalu on the Bruins’ side, better days seem yet to come.

Leroux’s wish comes true

Feb. 25 saw the debut of junior Sydney Leroux, a forward on the UCLA women’s soccer team, as a player on the softball diamond, pinch running in the seventh inning of the game against Florida.
Apparently, it has been an aspiration of hers for quite some time.

“I’ve been wanting to play for a long time, since freshman year,” said Leroux, who actually played baseball before she picked up soccer.

“I’m friends with a bunch (of the players on the team), so they’ve been awesome. They’re a great group of girls, and I really feel welcome.”

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Min Kang
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