Friday, 5/9/97 Phenomenon With appeal on violations, Bruins are
back to playing ball
By Melissa Anderson Daily Bruin Staff While the dust is still
settling from Tuesday’s NCAA ruling against the UCLA softball team
for financial aid violations, the Bruins are getting on with their
season and going back to what they do best – playing ball. Arizona
State travels to Easton Stadium this weekend for the final regular
season doubleheader of the year, and the Bruins are hoping that it
will be business as usual despite the recent ruling. Now that an
appeal has been filed, making No. 5 UCLA (39-11, 19-7 Pac-10)
eligible to accept a bid to the College World Series when the
seedings are announced Sunday, these will not be the final games of
the year for the Bruins. And while not even a sweep will help them
catch Arizona in the Pac-10 race, it is pertinent for the
tournament seedings. "The games are extremely important to solidify
our place in the region," UCLA head coach Sue Enquist said. "Our
team knows that we need to come in very focused." In light of the
penalty imposed by the NCAA Committee on Infractions that would
have kept the Bruins from competing in the postseason had they not
filed an appeal, players contend that they are now more focused
than ever. For senior Alleah Poulson, the 24-period before the UCLA
Athletic Department announced its decision to appeal the penalty
made the desire to win a title even greater, especially since the
championship-run she had a key role in two years ago has been
stripped by the NCAA. "I think we took (playing in the postseason)
for granted," Poulson said. "When somebody takes something away
from you, you want it more. I think we will be more focused than
before because we will appreciate it more." Enquist agrees that her
team could be more dangerous than ever now that it has been granted
a chance to finish the season. "I think that human nature alone
would make you feel that we are going to give it our all," Enquist
said. "They not only have more inner desire, but I think we will
also be more healthy than we have ever been." That could mean
trouble for No. 18 ASU (31-21, 9-17), which was swept by the Bruins
last month at Sun Devil Stadium. After dropping three-of-four games
against the Oregon schools last weekend, Arizona State probably
needs at least one win over UCLA to keep any hopes of a regional
bid alive. In addition to the added momentum of the NCAA ruling,
the Devils have several other factors racked up against them as
they head to Westwood for Saturday’s 1 p.m. doubleheader. Saturday
is Senior Day, and for Poulson, B’Ann Burns, Nicole Ochoa and
Johnna Mike, it will mark their last appearance at Easton Stadium.
In addition, there is a possibility that Julie Adams and Laurie
Fritz could return to the lineup after sitting out several weeks
due to injuries. CHARLES KUO/Daily Bruin Senior pitcher B’Ann Burns
will play Arizona State on Saturday. Related Links: NCAA
Softball