| Softball |
|---|
| LMU — 1 |
| UCLA — 9 |
Power at the plate and composure in the circle propelled UCLA softball to a midweek win.
Behind six home runs and a complete-game performance from freshman pitcher Natalie Cable, the No. 7 UCLA Bruins softball team (22-3, 3-0 Big Ten) defeated the LMU Lions (18-8, 0-0 WCC) 9-1 on Wednesday night at Easton Stadium.
Cable set the tone early for the Bruins, shutting down the Lions on just six pitches in the top of the first inning. The freshman continued to work efficiently through the early innings, allowing the Bruins’ offense to quickly take control.
“I think it sets the tone,” Cable said. “Knowing our offense, we’ll get the job done. Knowing that they have my back, and if I do my job, they’ll do theirs.”
The Bruins wasted no time providing run support.
Senior right fielder Megan Grant launched a home run on the first pitch she saw to open the scoring in the bottom of the first inning. Senior first baseman Jordan Woolery followed immediately with another home run, and sophomore second baseman Kaniya Bragg capped the rally with a third straight blast to give UCLA an early three-run lead only four batters in.
Head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez credited the team’s preparation and disciplined approach at the plate for the offensive outburst.
“I think they’re prepared,” Inouye-Perez said. “Their preparation, their coachability and willingness to stick to the process allows them to focus in big moments.”
Cable continued to cruise in the circle, needing than 20 total pitches to record the first six outs. The freshman finished the game allowing three hits and one run across five innings with three strikeouts.
Cable said trusting her teammates defensively played a key role in her performance. “In the past, I haven’t always had the best mindset of trusting my defense,” Cable said. “This game I knew everyone had my back. It’s nine versus one.”
UCLA extended its lead in the second inning when sophomore left fielder Rylee Slimp launched a two-out home run over the right field fence. Slimp had shown bunt earlier in the at-bat before sending the next pitch out of the park.
The Bruins’ power surge continued in the third inning. Bragg recorded her second home run of the night to spark a two-out rally before sophomore catcher Sofia Mujica delivered the biggest swing of the inning — a three-run home run that pushed UCLA to 8-0.
Despite allowing a single run in the top of the fifth, Cable maintained her composure in the circle. “Coach came out and told me to just focus on myself and be who I am,” Cable said. “That kind of clicked with me.”
The Bruins will now turn their focus toward conference play this weekend, taking on Michigan State March 13 at 7 p.m. PST at Easton Stadium.
Cable said the team’s chemistry will be key moving forward. “Continuing to trust each other and keep the culture we have,” Cable said. “We all love and support each other.”
