Charting the Storm: UCLA Softball's Opening Weekend

Navigating uncharted waters can be a gut-wrenching experience. It’s like stepping into the unknown, where every wave and swell presents a mystery waiting to be unraveled.

The Bruins find themselves in unfamiliar waters.

Saturday’s 16-0 run-rule loss set a program record for the largest margin of defeat. Sunday’s 9-1 loss to Oklahoma State marked the Bruins’ first back-to-back run-rule losses since 2012. UCLA finished the opening weekend with a shocking 2-3 record and were outscored by opponents 39-16.

What makes two one-sided losses to ranked opponents so significant?

The 13-time national champions are at risk of delving deeper into the storm. The Bruins now head to Clearwater, Fla. to face Florida State, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and UCF. Let’s take a look at what is happening in Westwood.

Youth in the circle

Several new faces comprise the UCLA pitching staff. The display of youth was evident during opening weekend as the quartet surrendered a combined 11 home runs in five games. In 2023, the staff reached the same figure in nearly 20 games.

Taylor Tinsley stands as the sole returner. The sophomore right-hander tossed 57.1 innings last season, accounting for just 15% of the innings. Despite starting the 2024 season with a 0-2 record Lawrenceville, Ga. native has ample room for growth. The early challenge will likely pay dividends once conference play begins. Reviewing video from Friday, it’s evident Tinsley has enough weapons to handle formidable opponents. Texas’ offense is lethal 1-9. What makes Tinsley effective? She can go east, west, north, and south and has an off-speed. The curve can bite as well having some down action.

Check out all eight strikeouts thanks to our friends at Synergy.

UC San Diego Transfer Jada Cecil finished the 2023 season with 171 strikeouts and allowed just seven home runs the entire season. In three outings this season the junior right-hander has allowed 13 earned runs and surrendered 10 free passes.

Highly touted rookie Kaitlyn Terry had a slow start of her own. The left-handed flamethrower allowed 11 hits and five earned runs across eight innings facing Maryland and San Diego. Terry did not pitch against Texas and Oklahoma State. This strategic move could pay off down the road for UCLA.

The walk-on Mackenzie Ficke faced eight batters in the Texas game allowing four runs on two hits and four walks.

Defensive miscues, lack of run production, injuries

Errors are a by-product of the revolving lineup. The Bruins have committed seven recorded errors with multiple players shifting to their second and/or third positions due to injuries.

• Center fielder Janelle Meoño suffered an injury on opening day, prompting Jadelyn Allchin to move over to center, Megan Grant moved from first base to left field, and Jordan Woolery went from third base to first base. Thessa Malau’ulu (who sat out the 2023 season due to surgery) moved to third base.
• Right fielder/designated player Alexis Ramirez lost the ball in the sun against Oklahoma State on Sunday and appeared to twist her knee just after the ball bounced. Ramirez left the game due to injury.

Offensive production has been lackluster at best. The lineup is far too talented to produce just seven extra-base hits in 110 at-bats. Ramirez wielded the most potent bat during the weekend, going 5-for-11 with a double and a home run, just ahead of Maya Brady and Allchin. Megan Grant and Jordan Woolery tallied just three hits on the weekend. The pair are crucial pieces to the offense. As a whole, the lineup looks tentative at the plate. The contrast in approach between Oklahoma State and Texas compared to UCLA was notable. The former swung freely and effortlessly, while the Bruins appeared tense and uncertain.

The positive aspect? UCLA’s schedule allows them to face elite pitching.

Once more, while the softball community dissects and adds to the storyline of the Bruins’ three losses, it’s preferable to endure these issues now rather than later in May.