College Softball News

UCLA’s new pitching approach: Breaking tradition

Photo courtesy of UCLA Athletics

Debbie Doom, Tracy Compton, Lisa Longaker, Lisa Fernandez, Amanda Freed, Keira Goerl, Anjelica Selden and Ally Carda all have one thing in common. They were all aces in the circle at UCLA.

When Carda graduated in 2015, UCLA has had to rethink its approach in the circle. Last season, the Bruins used a three-person staff and it got them to Oklahoma City. This year, it’s more of the same with an extra arm.

“We are definitely more a staff and we all complement each other really well,” said junior Selina Ta’amilo. “No matter what, we all have each other’s backs. I think it’s great that we are a staff instead of relying on just one person.”

One of the advantages a program like UCLA has is the coaching staff. Lisa Fernandez is in her 19th season as an assistant coach for the Bruins. She became the first softball player to win the Honda-Broderick Cup in 1993, an award given to the most outstanding collegiate female athlete in all sports.

“The game has changed a little bit. The championship is now a three-game series; they’ve also changed Pac-12 play into three-game series,” said Fernandez. “It’s difficult for one pitcher to go three days in a row facing the same opponent.”

UCLA saw what happens when a team faces a pitcher three days in a row. Rachel Garcia, a redshirt freshman, pitched seven shutout innings against Oregon Friday night. She came on in relief Saturday night and pitched another three innings of shutout ball and then Oregon exploded for six runs, three earned, in 2.2 innings on Sunday.

Garcia, Ta’milo, Paige McDuffee and Johanna Grauer have all seen time in the circle for UCLA this season and according to Fernandez, they all have the mentality it takes to work together and get the job done.

Garcia and Grauer lead the Bruins in innings pitched this season with 105.2 and 83.2. Ta’amilo has thrown 53 while McDuffee has been used primarily out of the bullpen and thrown 16.2.

“At the end of the day if I didn’t get the ball then I knew I gave my best and if she can’t get it done then I’m going to take advantage of the next opportunity and you have to have that mentality,” said Fernandez. “Not all four pitchers can throw at one time but they all have to be ready.”

Even though the Bruins have four pitchers, one of them plays every day regardless. After taking a medical redshirt for a knee injury, Garcia has emerged a two-way player on the mound and at the plate. During the Oregon series, Garcia was 4-for-8 with two doubles, a run scored and a run batted in.

“I think it’s a credit to her and I think it’s great for the game. Sometimes pitchers get a bad rap that they’re non-athletic. At UCLA, we like the athletes,” said Fernandez. “We like those who can not only swing their stick but get it done in the circle and it’s fun to see those kids go out there and compete.”

Pitching at UCLA is a mentality, a challenge. It’s a chance to join a tradition that has produced multiple All-Americans and Olympians.

‘The tradition and the history are why I came here and I respect the program tremendously,” said Ta’amilo. “It’s an honor (to pitch here).”

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