Megan Grant took off towards first base as if it were just another home run, but this one was monumental.
In the third inning of the Big Ten Tournament title match against Nebraska, Grant hit a solo home run that not only pushed UCLA ahead but also made her the NCAA single-season home run champion.
With 38 home runs this season, she surpassed a long-standing record of 37, held by Laura Espinoza of Arizona since 1995.
“It’s surreal,” Grant shared with reporters later. “I’m really grateful for this chance and it’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of the greats.”
Her home run came on an 0-for-2 pitch from Nebraska ace Jordy Frahm, giving the Bruins a 2-0 lead. But the momentum quickly shifted.
Nebraska rallied to score the next seven points, eventually winning 7-2 in a clash of standout pitching and heavy hitters in College Park, Maryland.
In the top of the third, Grant’s home run ignited a celebration among her teammates. “I think they were maybe more excited about the record than the game,” she said, reflecting on the moment. “But our focus was on winning. This is just a milestone, and now it’s all about the game. I just said, ‘Let’s win, let’s win.’”
Things took a controversial turn in the bottom of that inning. With one out and the bases loaded, Nebraska’s Hannah Cua hit a hard grounder. Frahm collided with UCLA’s Kaniyah Bragg during a base run, leading to an interference call. UCLA argued for a more severe penalty, yet Frahm remained in the game.
This prompted Nebraska to capitalize, with Hannah Kamenjindo driving in two runs and later benefiting from an error, followed by a two-run home run from Casey Hoffman in the fourth inning.
Frahm (18-4) responded by shutting out the Bruins after Grant’s home run, extending Nebraska’s winning streak to 21 games.
UCLA is set to host its NCAA Tournament regional at Easton Stadium, with its postseason bracket announcement coming soon.
As a token of her achievement, Grant received a ball inscribed with her record and plans to give it to her grandmother, which she thought would make a lovely keepsake.
