UCLA Softball Advances in NCAA Regionals After Dramatic Comeback and Record-Breaking Win
The UCLA softball team advanced in the NCAA Los Angeles Regional after two intense victories at Easton Stadium. Initially, they staged a dramatic 12-11 comeback against California Baptist, overcoming a ten-run fifth-inning deficit with a seventh-inning rally. Following this resilience, UCLA defeated South Carolina 7-2, driven by ace pitcher Taylor Tinsley’s complete game and Megan Grant’s record-breaking 39th home run of the season. These wins position the Bruins one step away from hosting the Super Regionals, highlighting their offensive power and mental toughness in the postseason tournament.
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UCLA Softball Advances to Oklahoma After Dominating UCF in Super Regional
UCLA softball defeated UCF in a two-game Super Regional sweep to advance to the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. After a close first-round game against Cal Baptist, the Bruins' offense exploded, hitting multiple home runs and extending their NCAA single-season home run record to 196. In the first game against UCF, UCLA won 9-1 via mercy rule, powered by two three-run home runs in the fifth inning. Pitcher Taylor Tinsley threw a complete game, allowing three hits and one run. In the second game, UCF took an early 1-0 lead, but UCLA scored in each of the remaining five innings to secure the win. Senior Megan Grant set an NCAA record with her 39th home run of the season and 88th of her career. The Bruins previously dominated South Carolina in the second round, winning both games by scores of 6-0 and 15-1.
SI FeedMegan Grant's 40th Homer Powers UCLA Softball Past South Carolina
UCLA softball secured a decisive 15-1 victory over South Carolina in the deciding game of the NCAA Tournament Regional, advancing to the Super Regional. The Bruins' win was highlighted by Megan Grant, who hit her 40th home run of the season, extending her NCAA record. With the bases loaded in the fifth inning, Grant launched a grand slam off a South Carolina pitcher, providing UCLA with significant momentum. This marked Grant's 89th career home run, leaving her just one short of the school record. UCLA pitcher Taylor Tinsley delivered a dominant performance, earning MVP honors by allowing only one run on two hits in a complete game. The Bruins also benefited from a two-run homer by leadoff hitter Rylee Slimp and additional offensive support from Kaniya Bragg and Jordan Woolery. The victory continues UCLA's recent athletic dominance over South Carolina, following previous wins in basketball and earlier softball meetings. UCLA (50-8) will now host Central Florida in a best-of-three Super Regional series starting Friday at Easton Stadium. Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez praised Tinsley's improving form as a positive sign for the upcoming postseason challenges.
New York PostUCLA Softball Defeats South Carolina 15-1 to Advance to NCAA Super Regional
The UCLA Bruins softball team secured a decisive victory against the University of South Carolina, winning with a score of 15-1 in their NCAA regional final match held on Sunday. This significant win allows UCLA to advance to the next stage of the tournament, the NCAA super regional. The game was highlighted by an outstanding offensive performance from the Bruins, particularly senior player Megan Grant, who contributed a grand slam to the team's score. In addition to Grant's major contribution, three other UCLA players also hit home runs during the match, demonstrating the team's strong batting prowess. The lopsided scoreline reflects UCLA's dominance in this particular matchup, effectively ending South Carolina's run in the regional round. This result marks a crucial step forward for UCLA in their pursuit of the national championship, showcasing their competitive strength and depth in hitting. The victory underscores the team's readiness for the higher stakes of the super regional round, where they will continue their campaign in the NCAA softball tournament.
yahoo sportsUCLA's Megan Grant Hits Grand Slam in 6-RBI Performance to Defeat South Carolina
In a decisive victory at the Los Angeles Regional, UCLA softball player Megan Grant delivered a standout performance against South Carolina. Grant continued her impressive seasonal form by recording six runs batted in (RBI), highlighted by a grand slam. Her offensive contribution was pivotal in securing a win for UCLA by way of the run rule, which ends a game early when one team holds an insurmountable lead after a specified number of innings. This victory allowed UCLA to advance out of the regional tournament. The article highlights Grant's critical role in the team's success during this high-stakes collegiate competition, marking a significant moment in the NCAA softball tournament proceedings. The report focuses on the statistical achievement and the immediate consequence of the game result for UCLA's tournament progression.
yahoo sportsUCLA Softball Ace Taylor Tinsley Leads Bruins Past South Carolina in NCAA Tournament
UCLA softball pitcher Taylor Tinsley delivered a strong performance to lead the Bruins to a 7-2 victory over South Carolina in an NCAA Tournament Regional game at Easton Stadium. This win came less than 24 hours after Tinsley suffered a career-worst outing against California Baptist, where she allowed nine runs in a single inning. Demonstrating resilience, Tinsley pitched a complete game, allowing only two solo home runs while striking out six batters. Her performance was supported by offensive contributions from teammates, including Megan Grant, who hit her 39th home run of the season, extending her single-season NCAA record. The victory improves UCLA's record to 49-8 and places them one win away from hosting a Super Regional. Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez praised Tinsley's mental toughness and short-term memory, highlighting her ability to bounce back from adversity. The game featured a critical defensive play in the fourth inning when UCLA executed a double play to escape a scoring threat. Former UCLA basketball star Kiki Rice was also present to support the team.
yahoo sportsUCLA Softball Ace Taylor Tinsley Leads Bruins Past South Carolina in NCAA Tournament
UCLA softball ace Taylor Tinsley rebounded from a difficult previous outing to lead the Bruins to a 7-2 victory over South Carolina in an NCAA Tournament Regional game at Easton Stadium. After allowing nine runs in one inning against California Baptist on Friday, Tinsley pitched a complete game on Saturday, surrendering only two solo home runs while striking out six batters. Her performance was supported by offensive contributions, including Megan Grant’s 39th home run of the season, which set a new single-season NCAA record. UCLA coach Kelly Inouye-Perez praised Tinsley’s mental resilience and short-term memory. The win places UCLA one victory away from hosting a Super Regional. The team will play again on Sunday, needing one more win to advance. Former UCLA basketball star Kiki Rice attended the game in support. Tinsley’s heavy workload this season is attributed to the departure of other key pitchers, but her fitness and finesse style have allowed her to maintain high performance levels throughout the postseason.
New York PostUCLA Softball Defeats South Carolina 7-2; Megan Grant Extends NCAA Home Run Record
The No. 7 UCLA softball team secured a decisive 7-2 victory over South Carolina in an NCAA regional matchup at Easton Stadium on Saturday. This win moves the Bruins (49-8) one step closer to advancing to the super regionals. After a narrow victory in their previous game, UCLA pitcher Taylor Tinsley delivered a strong performance, allowing only two runs on seven hits while striking out six batters over seven innings. Offensively, the Bruins were led by Megan Grant, who hit her 39th home run of the season, further extending her lead in the NCAA single-season home run record. Bri Alejandre and Aleena Garcia also contributed with home runs, while Soo-Jin Berry added a key double. The Gamecocks scored early via a Jamie MacKay home run but could not keep pace with UCLA's offense. UCLA will face the winner of the Cal State Fullerton versus California Baptist game on Sunday for a chance to host the super regional. The article highlights the team's resilience and individual milestones, particularly Grant's historic season.
yahoo sportsUCLA Softball Stages Late Comeback to Defeat California Baptist in Regionals
The No. 8 seeded UCLA softball team secured a dramatic 12-11 victory over California Baptist in Game Two of the Los Angeles Regionals at Easton Stadium. Despite a strong start that included home runs by Jordan Woolery, Aleena Garcia, and Soo-Jin Berry, the Bruins faced a crisis in the top of the fifth inning. Pitcher Taylor Tinsley allowed nine runs in the frame, giving California Baptist an 11-7 lead before being relieved by Brynne Nally. UCLA mounted a comeback in the bottom of the sixth with two runs, narrowing the gap. The decisive moment came in the bottom of the seventh inning when freshman Jolyna Lamar hit a two-run home run to tie the game. Shortly after, Rylee Slimp scored the winning run on a sacrifice fly by Aleena Garcia. The win allows UCLA to advance in the tournament, where they are scheduled to face South Carolina. The game highlighted both defensive struggles for UCLA's pitching staff and offensive resilience from their batters, who recorded 12 hits and nine walks throughout the contest.
yahoo sportsUCLA Softball Rallies for Dramatic 12-11 Win Over Cal Baptist in NCAA Opener
In a thrilling NCAA Tournament opener, the UCLA softball team secured a narrow 12-11 victory over California Baptist University after a dramatic seventh-inning comeback. Trailing by two runs in the final inning, the Bruins demonstrated significant resilience, overcoming a disastrous fifth inning where they surrendered ten runs, their highest single-inning deficit since 1998. The turning point came when freshman Jolyna Lamar hit a game-tying two-run home run, followed by key contributions from Rylee Slimp, Megan Grant, and Jordan Woolery to load the bases. Aleena Garcia ultimately sealed the win with a sacrifice fly. Despite defensive errors and momentum swings that saw UCLA lose an early 7-1 lead, the team's offensive power, including four home runs, proved decisive. Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez praised her team's unwavering belief and resolve, noting that the victory moves them into the winner's bracket as they pursue their third consecutive Women’s College World Series appearance. The game, played at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, was marked by high tension and unexpected events, including outfield sprinklers activating during a review.
yahoo sportsUCLA Softball Rallies for Dramatic 12-11 Win Over Cal Baptist in NCAA Opener
The UCLA softball team secured a dramatic 12-11 victory over California Baptist in their NCAA Tournament opener, overcoming a significant mid-game deficit. After building an early lead, the Bruins suffered a historic collapse in the fifth inning, allowing ten runs—their most in a single inning since 1998—to fall behind 11-7. However, displaying remarkable resilience, UCLA rallied in the seventh inning. Freshman Jolyna Lamar hit a crucial two-run home run to tie the game, followed by an infield single from Rylee Slimp and back-to-back walks to load the bases. Aleena Garcia ultimately sealed the win with a sacrifice fly. Reliever Brynne Nally was instrumental in stabilizing the defense after entering in the fifth inning. The victory moves UCLA into the winner’s bracket as they pursue their third consecutive Women’s College World Series appearance. They are scheduled to face South Carolina next. The game was marked by extreme momentum swings and high offensive output from both sides, highlighting the team's resolve under pressure.
New York PostUCLA Softball Rallies from Deficit to Win NCAA Regional Opener on Walk-Off
The No. 7 UCLA softball team secured a dramatic 12-11 victory over California Baptist in the opening round of the Los Angeles NCAA Regional. Despite surrendering ten runs in the fifth inning due to defensive errors and pitching struggles, the Bruins mounted a significant comeback. Shortstop Aleena Garcia delivered the game-winning sacrifice fly in the seventh inning, scoring Rylee Slimp to seal the win. The performance highlighted the offensive prowess of the "Bruin Bombers," a nickname earned for their record-setting home runs this season. Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez praised the team's resilience and the leadership of seniors Megan Grant and Jordan Woolery. In other regional action, South Carolina defeated Cal State Fullerton 7-4, driven by a three-run home run from Quincee Lilio in the sixth inning. UCLA is scheduled to face South Carolina next, while California Baptist will play Cal State Fullerton. The games took place at Easton Stadium, marking an intense start to the postseason tournament for all involved teams.
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