News Summary
UCLA’s journey in the Women’s College World Series ended with a close 5-4 loss to Tennessee in a dramatic elimination game. The Bruins showcased resilience, battling back to tie the game with impressive home runs before falling short in the ninth inning. While UCLA’s season was marked by strong performances and records, the team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities proved costly. Tennessee’s win advances them to the semifinals against Texas.
Oklahoma City, OK – UCLA’s run in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) came to a heart-wrenching conclusion when they sustained a narrow 5-4 defeat to Tennessee in an elimination game on Saturday. The game ended dramatically in the bottom of the ninth inning when Laura Mealer hit a walk-off single to secure victory for the Volunteers.
Tennessee’s win sets them up for a semifinal match against Texas, scheduled for 9 a.m. PDT on Monday. The Volunteers wrapped up their season with a commendable record of 47 wins and 16 losses, while UCLA finished the season with a strong performance, ending with 55 wins and only 13 losses.
The ninth inning proved pivotal for UCLA as they had runners in scoring position but were unable to convert those opportunities into runs, marking a significant moment that could have changed the game’s outcome. Earlier in the game, the Bruins had shown offensive strength, highlighted by a two-out, two-run homer from Megan Grant, which was her 26th home run of the season. This impressive hit also set a new Big Ten single-season record, bringing excitement for the team and their supporters.
Grant’s home run was initially under review due to concerns about whether she had properly touched home plate. Ultimately, the ruling upheld that she did touch the plate, which allowed the runs to count despite the initial controversy.
UCLA’s offense was further bolstered by solo home runs from Alexis Ramirez and Sofia Mujica, both contributing crucial runs that kept the team competitive throughout the match. UCLA initially fell behind early in the game as Tennessee took the lead in the first inning when Mealer’s single brought two runners home.
The Bruins responded by tying the game with the home runs from Ramirez and Mujica, showcasing their resilience. However, the Volunteers regained the lead in the fifth inning following a two-run homer from Taylor Pannell, putting pressure back on UCLA’s offense. Starting pitcher Kaitlyn Terry had a challenging outing, pitching five innings and allowing eight hits and four runs while striking out seven Tennessee players. Taylor Tinsley came in as a reliever, pitching for 3.1 innings and allowing three hits alongside four walks.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, UCLA’s coach expressed pride in the team’s ability to fight back and display resilience throughout the game. This determination resonated with fans who supported the Bruins throughout the high-stakes tournament.
UCLA’s participation in the Women’s College World Series showcased their talent and tenacity, culminating in a season marked by impressive statistics and memorable moments. As the Bruins look to regroup and prepare for future seasons, their standout performances and records may serve as a foundation for continued growth in women’s college softball.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tennessee Lady Vols Softball Team Advances to Semifinals
Tennessee Softball Team Advances to Semifinals After Thrilling Win
UCLA Softball Secures Spot in Women’s College World Series
UCLA Secures Place in Women’s College World Series
Gamecocks Fall to UCLA, Ending WCWS Dreams
South Carolina Softball Team Advances to NCAA Super Regionals
Additional Resources
- NCAA: Tennessee Walks Off Against UCLA
- The Oklahoman: UCLA’s Game-Tying Home Run
- Sports Illustrated: Tennessee’s Protest Against UCLA
- ESPN: UCLA’s Dugout Celebration
- Los Angeles Times: UCLA vs. Tennessee at WCWS
- Wikipedia: Women’s College World Series
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
