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Thursday, January 30, 1997

SOFTBALL:

Freshman Christa Williams strikes out 10 in first UCLA startBy Melissa Anderson

Daily Bruin Staff

UCLA softball coach Sue Enquist predicted before the season started that pitching would be essential to her team's success this year.

How right she was.

Through the combined effort of all three UCLA pitchers, the Bruins kicked the season off with a 3-0, 1-0 doubleheader sweep of Loyola Marymount on Tuesday afternoon.

Senior B'Ann Burns gave up just one hit in four innings of work in the opener to record her first victory. Freshman Courtney Dale was credited with the save after relieving Burns in the fifth inning. Dale was impressive in her debut, striking out seven and walking just one in three innings.

Bruin bats were hot as well, racking up 11 hits in the first five innings. Dale was 3-for-3, as was junior Laurie Fritz, though UCLA left 10 runners on base.

Third baseman Julie Adams launched a two-run home run in the top of the first inning to put the Bruins ahead early. Stacey Nuveman hit a solo shot in the fifth to close out the scoring.

Freshman Christa Williams took the mound for the nightcap and proved why she is considered the top pitching recruit in the nation. The 1996 U.S. Olympic team member allowed just two hits while striking out 10 in her first start on the mound for UCLA.

But once again the Bruins struggled offensively, with just four hits in seven innings against LMU pitcher Kelly Zeilstra in the second game.

Kim Wuest, who started at first base for senior Alleah Poulson, drove in Fritz with a base hit in the top of the third for the Bruins' only run of the game.

UCLA Sports Info

Kim Wuest