UCLA Softball: Bruins Land High in Preseason ESPN Ranking
Your UCLA Bruins softball program has put a disastrous ending to last season behind them and enter the 2024 season ranked as high as No. 8 in the latest USA Softball/ESPN poll.
As the No. 2 overall seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, they were upset on their home field and didn't make it out of the Los Angeles Regional.
It was the first time since 2013 that UCLA didn't compete in a Super Regional.
But, a new year means a new slate and the Bruins are ready to make a run towards Oklahoma City.
The other two rankings that have been released have UCLA at No. 9 (D1Softball) and No. 10 (Softball America).
When it comes to roster makeup this season, the Bruins return 16 players from last year's roster including 2023 Pac-12 Player of the Year Maya Brady. They lost 11 and have seven new players including three transfers.
The infield and outfield positions are comprised of veterans but the pitching circle is the biggest question mark entering this year.
Sophomore Taylor Tinsley is the only pitcher returning from last year's team and only saw 57.1 innings of action. She was 6-1 with a 1.47 earned run average in 20 appearances (13 starts).
Joining her is junior Jada Cecil who transferred from UC San Diego. She was the Big West Pitcher of the Year in 2022 and a two-time Big West First Team honoree.
Freshman Kaitlyn Terry is expected to see some innings after a successful fall and junior Mackenzie Ficke round out the staff.