Bruin Bites: UCLA's Mallory Pugh Becomes Youngest USWNT Player in Olympic Qualifying History

Mallory Pugh has signed her LOI and will suit up for UCLA next fall. First, she is helping the United States Women's National Team in its attempt to qualify for the Summer Olympics.

By orlandobruin Feb 11, 2016, 6:57am PST

Mallory Pugh weaves between two Ireland defenders in her first cap last month

Although there is a lot going on in the world of UCLA sports, I am going to start off today's Bruin Bites (and, as you can see, have highlighted the story with the headline and pic) with a story about a 17 year old who has not even put on a UCLA uniform yet.

Future Bruins--Mallory Pugh

Last night, the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) outclassed Costa Rica, 5-0, in the group stage of Olympic qualifying. As previously reported by BN here and here, one of the players on the team is a certain high school senior who will be playing for the UCLA Bruins in the fall. Mallory Pugh came on for the USA in the 68th minute last night and, although she didn't score--she should have had an assist on a beautiful cross that Carli Lloyd would have finished 99% of the time--she availed herself well once again in international competition and became the youngest player in USWNT history to play in an Olympic qualifier.

Football

ESPN thinks that UCLA sophomore running back, Soso Jamabo, could be a break out star in 2016. There is no denying Jamabo's talent, but my question for ESPN is, what about junior, Nate Starks?

Men's Volleyball

The #2 ranked UCLA Men's Volleyball team will face #12 UC Irvine tonight, at 7 p.m. PT at Pauley Pavilion. Check back with Bruins Nation later today for more coverage on this matchup.

Women's Softball

The UCLA Women's Softball team opens their season tomorrow in College Station at the Aggie Classic. The #7 Bruins will play five times in three days, starting with Colorado State Friday, at 10:15 a.m. PT, and tournament hosts, Texas A&M, at 1 p.m. PT.

Gymnastics

UCLA Bruins swept the PAC 12 awards in gynmnastics this week. After pushing the Bruins over the top with her 9.95 floor exercise in their meet against Utah, Sadiqua Bynum was named PAC 12 Gymnast of the Week. Angi Cipra was named PAC 12 Specialist of the Week with her floor (9.975) and vault (9.8) performances against Utah. Finally, Madison Preston took PAC 12 Freshman/Newcomer of the Week honors, scoring career highs in the vault, balance beam, and floor exercises. Congratulations Sadiqua, Angi, and Madison!!!

The #7 Bruins take on the #16 Oregon State Beavers at Pauley on Saturday, at 8 p.m. PT.

Women's Basketball

Mark your calendars now! UCLA has announced that the UCLA Women's Basketball team will be playing in the Cancun Challenge next season in November, 2016, at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya.

Men's Tennis

The #9 UCLA Men's Tennis team suffered its first setback of the season, 6-1, at #1 Virginia on Tuesday night. The two bright spots for UCLA were the duo of Gage Brymer and Austin Rapp, who won their doubles match, 7-6; and Karue Sell, who defeated Mac Styslinger (great name) in three sets, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. Unfortunately, there was no drama to either of these matches, as the doubles point was already in hand when Brymer/Rapp won and the competition was already in hand when Sell won.

Starting tomorrow, UCLA will participate in the ITA National Team Indoor Championship in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Swimming and Diving

The UCLA Swimming and Diving team hosts Southern Cal on Friday, in the final home meet of the season. Diving begins at 1 p.m. PT. Swimming starts at 2 p.m. PT. If you can, get out there to root on the Bruins against the Trogans!!!

I hope that you enjoyed today's Bruin Bites as we ease closer to the weekend!

Go Bruins!!!