UCLA softball starts Super Regional in Eugene

The UCLA softball team is two wins away from a Women’s College World Series berth. The Bruins face Oregon in the Super Regional this weekend, starting with Game 1 on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The game is a televised on ESPN.

Here’s a preview of the tournament as the Bruins try to ride their toughness all the way to the World Series. UCLA’s mental toughness is exemplified by pitcher Paige McDuffee. McDuffee has compartment syndrome, which results in unusual swelling, in her arms and legs, but she continues to take the circle for the Bruins when she’s call upon.

An excerpt:

When she’s healthy, the lefty throws a heavy ball and can fire strikes on both sides of the plate with high velocity, UCLA head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez said. However, her physical tools take a backseat to her mental makeup.

“She doesn’t get to put a lot of hay in the barn, which is what a lot of players and athletes need to be able to have confidence,” Inouye-Perez said. “But she has a mental toughness to be able to go out there and compete every time we give her the ball for her team.”

Other UCLA teams in postseason play…