UCLA softball has been an offensive juggernaut, but its biggest
strength has come from an unexpected source.
Center fielder Stephanie Ramos has stepped into the spotlight in
her senior season, leading UCLA softball in most offensive
categories.
Ramos was named Pac-10 Player of the Week for the first time in
her career on Tuesday after a red-hot performance last weekend.
“I’m thrilled for Ramos, because Ramos is one of the
hardest-working players on the team,” coach Sue Enquist said.
“She comes early, she stays late. I just love that the game
is paying her back.”
She went 8 for 10 with three home runs and 6 RBI in the Stacy
Winsberg Memorial Tournament at UCLA, another example of how her
production has improved throughout the season.
She now leads the team with a .490 batting average, .898
slugging percentage and 14 RBI.
Although Ramos was an honorable mention selection to the
all-Pac-10 team last year, she is not one of the four Bruins on the
watch list for national player of the year.
As the No. 3 hitter in the Bruins’ lineup she has been
sandwiched between other good players, which explains some of her
success.
Leadoff hitters Caitlin Benyi and Andrea Duran have been
successful in getting on base all season to give Ramos
opportunities to drive in runs.
“It gives you a lot of opportunities for RBI, and
I’m coming through right now,” Ramos said.
Following Ramos comes the big bat of All-American, Claire Sua,
who is seen as the team’s biggest power threat.
Sua, a well-established player, opens up opportunities for the
hitters around her to see better pitches.
“They fear her a little more than they fear me, so
they’d rather go after me,” Ramos said.
Ramos’ quick start has helped give Sua more time to work
out of an early season slump.
Despite being the cleanup hitter, Sua has only two home runs and
six RBI. Her power numbers are among the worst of any player
hitting in the lineup every day.
“My season can always get better,” Sua said.
“There’s always room for improvement.”
Her teammates are confident that Sua will bounce back any week
now, making the Bruins an even more potent force.
“(Ramos) steps into her role beautifully, and she’s
really gotten a lot done, so it’s fun hitting behind
her,” Sua said.