Sometimes it’s difficult to play well in the face of
distractions.
But that’s exactly what the Washington women’s
softball team has been forced to do, and that’s what the
Huskies will look to continue to do today when they face the Bruins
at Easton Stadium in a critical Pac-10 matchup.
Amid a scandal involving former team physician Dr. William
Scheyer, Washington has persevered. It has continued to focus on
softball, making UCLA coach Sue Enquist very hesitant to jump to
the conclusion that the scandal is affecting Washington’s
play on the field.
“They’ve been operating with their current
coaches,” Enquist said. “I don’t think
that’s anything that’s on their minds at all.
They’ve been playing some great softball, and they’re a
great club.”
It would be a reach to claim the scandal is having a negative
effect on Washington’s play, as the Huskies (34-12, 8-5
Pac-10) are No. 7 in the nation and third in the conference.
The Huskies also beat the No. 3 Bruins twice on April 9 and 10,
when the Bruins began the Pac-10 schedule with an 0-4 start.
But that, too, is in the past. UCLA (34-7, 7-6) is surging,
having won five games in a row. Led by senior ace Keira Goerl and
freshman Lisa Dodd, the Bruins’ pitching staff has allowed
just three runs over those five games.
“I think we’re a different club,” Enquist
said. “Our pitching is delivering, and we’re clutching
up. We’re a different club than … the last time we saw
them.”
Goerl, who was named USA Softball National Player of the Week
for her stellar outings in Oregon last weekend, has put the
beginning of the Pac-10 season behind her.
“Totally forgot we lost to them,” Goerl said.
“I’m going to go out there with the same game
plan.”