With the playoffs starting this afternoon, UCLA’s softball team is exactly where it wants to be hosting the NCAA regionals.

Home field advantage is essential starting any playoff.

In their 6 o’clock opener against Cal State Bakersfield, the Bruins hope that the crowd at Easton Stadium on campus will help them advance to the super regionals.

Fresno State, Cal State Fullerton and Bakersfield join the Bruins in the four- team, double elimination tournament. UCLA is 35-13-1, Bakersfield 32-16, Fresno State 41-10-1, and Fullerton 43-14.

Fresno State plays Fullerton at 3 o’clock.

Saturday’s games are at 12 and 6, Sunday’s at 12 and 3 – if necessary.
Bruin leadoff hitter Allexis Bennett is thickly in the running for Player of the Year.

The energized outfielder says she would rather win a national championship than an individual award. “It’s cool to be nominated, but I have to give credit where credit is due,” said Bennett, “to my coaches and teammates.

“The coaches have given me the opportunity to play.
“Attending UCLA was one of the best decisions I have made. I love UCLA.”

Her light blue eyes tell you she was born to play for the Bruins.

“I play with passion,” Bennett said.

“I am like the energizer bunny.

“I like to win. But I also play to have fun, to compete.”

Bennett’s .437 batting average is the best on UCLA’s team, followed by Kylee Perez at .410, Mysha Sataraka at .371, Delany Spaulding at.342, Madeline Jelenicki at .331 and Paige Halstead, .301.

Inside the pitching circle the Bruins rely on Selina Ta’amilo, Paige McDuffe and Johanna Grauer.

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com