Garcia Named UCLA Student-Athlete of the Week

LOS ANGELES – Rachel Garcia from UCLA Softball has been selected the UCLA Student-Athlete of the Week, presented by Ready, earning honors for May 18 – May 24.
 
Garcia had four hits in eight at-bats, a home run, two runs batted in and three walks at the plate, adding two wins and 18 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings in the circle, as the second-ranked Bruins won the Los Angeles Regional last weekend. In the Regional Championship on Sunday against Minnesota, she struck out five in 5 1/3 shutout innings of relief, allowing only one hit. She added a pair of singles, scoring the game-tying run. On Saturday, with the Bruins down 1-0 with one out in the seventh inning, Garcia ripped a game-tying single to force the game into extras. UCLA ended up winning in eight, as Garcia struck out 13 in eight innings in the circle. Garcia didn't pitch in Friday's Regional opener against Long Beach State, but did hit a solo home run, her 12th of the season.

Garcia leads all active Bruins with seven-career Student-Athlete of the Week honors. It's her second such accolade this season, as she earned weekly honors on April 20 after tossing a no-hitter against Oregon State (April 17).
 
UCLA Softball has advanced to the NCAA Super Regionals and is set to face Virginia Tech in a three-game series at Easton Stadium. First pitch for game one will be at 6:30 p.m. PT on Thursday, May 24. ESPN will broadcast the live coverage.
 
Also Nominated: Devon Bling, M. Golf; Abbey Forbes, W. Tennis; Emma Spitz, W. Golf