For the first time this season, the Bruins are facing a brand-new opponent.
No. 4 UCLA softball (10-1) will face UC San Diego (1-3) on Tuesday afternoon in the Bruins’ first meeting with the Tritons in program history. Beginning with its UCSD matchup, UCLA will play nine times over the next two weeks.
Freshman infielder Thessa Malau’ulu said the Bruins will focus on maintenance in preparation for their next opponent.
“(We’re) making sure that we all stay healthy,” Malau’ulu said. “We’re doing the workouts tailored to our arms, keeping those strong, and our bodies so we can endure the rest of the long week.”
UCSD has played four games so far this season, claiming one victory over Grand Canyon on Feb. 21 and falling in its most recent three meetings. The Bruins will be the first opponent the Tritons will play on the road this year.
After spending two decades playing NCAA Division II softball, UCSD transitioned to Division I athletics in July 2020.
Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez said the Bruins are trying not to structure their game around an unfamiliar opponent.
“We’re really striving to really get after things that are in our control,” Inouye-Perez said. “We’re really talented. We know that. I’d just like to see consistency in our attention to detail. We’re not going to lower the standard based on what the scoreboard says.”
Several Bruin underclassmen have seen action in UCLA’s most recent ballgames, including redshirt freshman pitcher Lexi Sosa, who pitched the final two innings in a mercy-rule shutout over San Jose State on Sunday.
Inouye-Perez said she looks forward to seeing how Sosa will perform in the Bruins’ upcoming meetings.
“The exciting part about that is (Sosa) is the future,” Inouye-Perez said. “She’s improved her velocity (and) her movement on her pitches. She’s competing pitch-to-pitch, she’s going to get stronger and get more experience, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come.”
UCLA is riding a four-game winning streak as it prepares for its next matchup, outsourcing those opponents 38-9. Despite forcing two extra-inning games, UCSD has been outscored by its opponents 21-13 this year.
The Bruins are undefeated at Easton Stadium this season and own a 12-game home winning streak dating back to last year.
Redshirt junior infielder Kinsley Washington said she looks forward to continuing the Bruins’ homestand.
“Normally during this time we’re traveling and always on the road,” Washington said. “We’re coming up on finals for our school, (so) I think it’s very cool that we’re able to have home games and be able to go back after and get our studying done.”
First pitch against UCSD will take place Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Easton Stadium.
