UCLA
Arizona
No. 1 Bruins Sweep No. 2 Wildcats in Softball Matchup
June 21, 1999 | Softball
April 11, 1999
LOS ANGELES - Bruin sophomore Stacey Nuveman knocked in the game-winning RBI in both of UCLA's victories Saturday, as the No. 1 ranked UCLA softball team (38-1; 7-1 Pac-10) swept No. 2 Arizona (33-7; 5-3 Pac-10) 6-2 and 3-2 in a Pac-10 doubleheader at Easton Softball Stadium.
Nuveman, whose two-out, two-RBI single in the bottom of the sixth in game one helped UCLA to the 6-2 victory, also belted a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth in game two, breaking a 2-2 tie, powering UCLA to the 3-2 win. Her two game-winning hits were her only on the afternoon, as she finished the day 2- for-6 with three RBI, including her 19th home run of the season. She now stands just one home run shy of tying her own single-season home run mark of 20, set in 1997.
Bruin pitcher Courtney Dale picked up both victories on the afternoon, improving to 19-0 on the season. In game one, she gave up just six hits and two earned runs while striking out three Wildcat batters. She came in to relieve Bruin starter Amanda Freed in game two, giving up no hits, while striking out three, in two-and-a-third innings of work. In addition to her effort on the diamond, Dale finished 2-for-6 at the plate, including an RBI-single in game two.
UCLA's opening-game win snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Wildcats dating back to March 29, 1997. This was the first time UCLA has swept Arizona since April 8, 1995.
The Wildcats were led in game one by second baseman Katie Swan, who knocked in both of Arizona's RBI, including a third-inning home run. Despite picking up the loss, freshman Jennie Finch led the Wildcats in game two, surrendering just four Bruin hits in six innings of work.
Both teams continue Pac-10 action on Sunday as UCLA hosts No. 7 Arizona State at Easton Stadium beginning at 1:00 p.m. and Arizona travels up to Washington for a doubleheader with the No. 4 Washington Huskies.
