UCLA Softball Dominates UC Santa Barbara to Advance

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UCLA softball players celebrate their impressive victory in the regional playoffs.

News Summary

UCLA’s softball team secured a commanding 12-1 victory over UC Santa Barbara, completing a three-game sweep in the Los Angeles Regional. With this win, the Bruins advance to the NCAA Super Regionals, showcasing an incredible season record of 52-10 while outscoring their opponents 31-2. Alexis Ramirez led the offensive charge, contributing five RBIs, while the team maintained a strong pitching performance. The Bruins look ahead to facing South Carolina in the next round as they aim for a Women’s College World Series berth.

Los Angeles – UCLA’s softball team recorded a decisive 12-1 victory over UC Santa Barbara, completing a three-game sweep in the Los Angeles Regional and advancing to the NCAA Super Regionals. The Bruins, seeded ninth in the tournament, boast an impressive season record of 52-10 and have outscored their opponents 31-2 throughout the regional play.

In the decisive game against UC Santa Barbara, UCLA showcased their offensive might early by scoring four runs in both the first and second innings. The game concluded in the fifth inning due to the mercy rule after UCSB failed to score in the bottom half. A standout performance came from Alexis Ramirez, who went three for four at the plate and drove in five RBIs. Additionally, Jessica Clements, Megan Grant, and Jordan Woolery contributed to the scoring with home runs, while Clements and Grant each brought in two runs.

The victory not only propelled UCLA into the Super Regionals but also marked an important milestone in their pursuit of a ninth Women’s College World Series berth in the last decade. The Bruins will face eighth-seeded South Carolina next weekend, starting on May 22.

UCLA’s path to the Super Regionals included dominant performances throughout the Los Angeles Regional. In addition to their win over UC Santa Barbara, they topped UC Santa Barbara again in a 9-1 game on Friday and achieved a 10-0 shutout against San Diego State on Saturday. Kaitlyn Terry was instrumental in the win against the Aztecs, pitching a two-hit shutout and contributing to the team’s impressive showing.

In the final game against UC Santa Barbara, pitcher Taylor Tinsley recorded the win, striking out six batters and allowing only one unearned run in four innings of work. Conversely, Malaya Johnson took the loss for UCSB, surrendering six earned runs in just one inning of pitching. Ainsley Waddell scored UCSB’s only run, hitting a single in the second inning that brought home Alexa Sams.

UCLA’s performance throughout the regional marked their best run differential since 2005, as they displayed consistent scoring and domination over their competitors. The combined RBIs from players Megan Grant and Jordan Woolery reached a historic total of 161, making them the program’s all-time leaders in combined RBIs in a single season. This season’s success reflects the team’s hard work and determination under the leadership of Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez, who emphasized the necessity of maintaining momentum and scoring consistently throughout their games.

The players also made the most of their time at Easton Stadium, with each senior having the opportunity to bat during what was considered their last home game. As they prepare for the upcoming Super Regional against South Carolina, UCLA remains focused on the goal of securing a spot in the Women’s College World Series. With their formidable lineup and strong performances throughout the season, the Bruins aim to continue their winning ways on the national stage.