Tennessee's softball team celebrating their victory over UCLA in a tense elimination game.
In a gripping elimination match at the Women’s College World Series, No. 7 Tennessee softball edged out UCLA with a 5-4 victory in nine innings. Laura Mealer’s game-winning RBI single secured Tennessee’s advancement to the semifinals, setting a thrilling stage for their upcoming clash against No. 6 Texas. Despite a strong performance from UCLA, who tied the game in the seventh with a two-run homer, Tennessee’s resilience shone through in this competitive tournament. This marks Tennessee’s second appearance in three years, showcasing their growing prowess in collegiate softball.
Oklahoma City – No. 7 Tennessee softball pulled through in a tense elimination game against UCLA, winning 5-4 in a dramatic nine-inning matchup at the 2025 Women’s College World Series held at Devon Park. The victory enables Tennessee to advance to the semifinals, where they will face No. 6 Texas on June 2 at noon.
During the decisive ninth inning, Tennessee’s Laura Mealer delivered a game-winning RBI single with the bases loaded and one out, allowing teammate Taylor Pannell to cross home plate for the winning run. This critical hit capped off a spirited contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
With this win, Tennessee must now defeat Texas twice to secure a spot in the best-of-three championship series slated to begin on June 4. UCLA’s journey in the double-elimination tournament has ended with their loss against Tennessee. The Bruins had already faced defeat earlier in the tournament, losing 3-1 to Texas Tech in the winner’s bracket.
The match showcased an electrifying atmosphere, particularly in the seventh inning when Tennessee led 4-2. However, a dramatic turn took place when UCLA’s Megan Grant hit a two-run home run, tying the game at 4-4. A challenge by Tennessee regarding the play was ultimately unsuccessful, as although it appeared Grant missed home plate, the NCAA rules rendered the play non-reviewable.
Prior to facing off against UCLA, Tennessee had successfully avoided elimination by defeating Florida 11-3 in their last match. That game saw Tennessee display an impressive combination of offensive firepower and solid pitching. In the matchup against UCLA, both teams demonstrated significant defensive skills and strategic gameplay. Tennessee’s Karlyn Pickens stood out for her challenging pitching that kept UCLA’s scoring down, while defensive plays throughout the game showcased the intensity of the tournament.
The game was marked by opportunities missed by both teams, particularly in the ninth inning when Tennessee had multiple chances to secure the win earlier on, including a key double play executed by UCLA. Emphasizing the high stakes of the elimination round at the Women’s College World Series, each team employed various strategies to outmaneuver the other, from pitching sequences to defensive alignments.
This event marks Tennessee’s second appearance in three years at the Women’s College World Series, underscoring the program’s growing prominence in collegiate softball. The win over UCLA not only secures their continued journey in the tournament but also demonstrates the resilience and competitive spirit of the Tennessee team as they look to vie for the championship.
Fans eagerly await the semifinal matchup against Texas, a team with which they have a historic rivalry, promising further thrilling action as the teams battle for a spot in the finals.
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