Proving yourself as a team becomes harder after a loss.

But three ranked losses may have been the motivation the Bruins needed to claw their way to six victories last weekend.

And this weekend provides an opportunity to establish consistency.

No. 9 UCLA softball (13-3) is set to face off against East Texas A&M (5-12) and No. 6 Florida (19-0) on Friday, BYU (3-11) and Seattle University (9-6) on Saturday, and Oregon State (8-8) on Sunday at the Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton, California, for its last nonconference games before the Big Ten season.

The Bruins are coming off a 6-0 weekend, including wins against three ranked opponents, after a disappointing 2-3 showing at the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational that took place Feb. 13 to Feb. 15. UCLA defeated then-No. 13 Texas A&M 15-7, then-No. 14 Duke 10-5 and No. 22 South Carolina 5-4 after a seventh-inning comeback.

The team’s ability to adjust and overcome last weekend’s setbacks showcased the adaptability and learning curve UCLA’s coaches pushed.

“They’re learning, but then they’re not quitting, and they’re getting stronger,” said coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. “I schedule a very difficult schedule and play some top teams that are planning to be in the postseason so that we can gain that experience and figure out what we’re going to do about it.”

UCLA hammered 14 home runs across the six-game stretch, with senior infielder Jordan Woolery hitting four, good for 10 total this season – second on the squad behind senior utility Megan Grant’s 11.

The Bruins’ success is largely attributed to their hitting, batting .380 and recording 44 home runs through the first 16 games of the year.

On the pitching side, two Bruins have separated themselves from the pack – senior Taylor Tinsley and freshman Natalie Cable.

Tinsley has started eight games and appeared in 12, allowing 48 hits and just four home runs. Cable has also held her own in the circle, giving up 31 hits and six home runs.

“Our bullpen definitely has a lot of energy, and we all have each other’s back no matter what,” Tinsley said. “If one can’t get it done, then we know the other one’s going to have each other’s back. It’s really, really awesome in that way to see each other grow each day, each game, and really be a part of the process with each other.”

This weekend may present another opportunity for the newer players to flash their skill sets, as the squad is only facing one ranked team.

With the upcoming matches having no bearing on the Bruins’ conference record, the squad could afford younger players more action while building chemistry.

“We have 11 new players and 10 returners, so a lot of new faces, a lot of new players that we need to learn about how they are when they’re at their best, how they are when they’re at their worst,” said redshirt freshman infielder Aleena Garcia, who drove in the winning runs against South Carolina on Feb. 21. “This is a perfect time to do that.”

UCLA is entering the Judi Garman Classic with a 4-3 record against ranked opponents, so Florida may test the Westwood bunch.

The Gators are batting a .389 average while limiting opponents to a .177 clip, both of which outmatch the Bruins’ marks. The Gator pitchers have only given up a combined 11 home runs, but they are yet to pitch against a ranked team.

Oregon State, which UCLA defeated 12-4 in five innings Feb. 7, will be a familiar foe for Inouye-Perez’s squad. The Bruins sent three balls over the outfield fence, with sophomore infielder Kaniya Bragg contributing two of them, in their previous matchup.

The Bruins are looking to build consistency and confidence before their Big Ten slate begins, and this weekend is their last opportunity to do so, Inouye-Perez said,

“All we’re doing is trying to learn,” Inouye-Perez said. “I could have taken an easier path, and this team could be undefeated and feeling good about themselves in different ways, but taking the harder path against tough opponents on the road, they’re building a whole different level of confidence and resilience.”