UCLA softball climbing back to the top

The No. 6 UCLA softball team started the 2024 season with a record of 3-4 in their first seven games and one of those losses was 16-0 to Texas. Now the Lady Bruins are riding an eight-game winning streak and they have won 20 of their last 22 games going into this weekend's NCAA West Regionals starting Friday at UCLA's Easton Stadium. The 37-10 Bruins play Grand Canyon University on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

According to their head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez the Bruins needed time to find their way after recovering from injuries and now they are playing UCLA softball. "It feels amazing," said Inouye-Perez who is in her 18th season as the head coach. "The way I coach is that I am always honest with the girls, and we talk about where we are now, and I always remind them where we are going to go. These girls have trusted the process. We have always had our eye on the understanding that the best is yet to come."

With a coaching staff that is second to none in college softball the Bruins have continued to build a dynasty over the last 46 years. That dominance has included 13 National Championships and has developed some of the best softball players in the world. "I really credit our coaches that will are able to build the confidence of our players. I am so proud we are coming to together at the right time."

Her longtime assistant coaches are Lisa Fernandez who is also the Associate Head coach, Kirk Walker and Rob Schweyer. Fernandez, who is one of the greatest softball players in American history has been on the staff for 26 years and Walker has been there for 23 years. This is Schweyer first season with the softball program.

Solid defense, timely hitting and paying attention to detail has always been the trademark of UCLA softball and this year is no different. Led by the NCAA Player of the Year candidate senior Maya Brady the Bruins appear to be ready to make another trip to the Softball College National Championships but they have to win two regional tournaments before they can travel to Oklahoma City for the nationals.

 

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