As they gathered along the third base line, anxiously waiting for the last three outs of their NCAA Tournament opener, UCLA’s softball players were united in their confidence.
“They all kept saying, ‘We’re going to win this game,’” shared coach Kelly Inouye Perez, and honestly, who could blame them?
It was a dramatic seventh-inning rally that really defined an otherwise wild game. The Bruins had initially taken a commanding lead, but then something unexpected happened: they gave up 10 runs in one inning. That’s not something you see every day—it’s been over 25 years since they last let that happen.
But, for the team, that was just a blip. Their determination and offensive power made it clear they weren’t backing down.
“There was never a moment where we doubted our ability,” UCLA player Jordan Woolley remarked.
The belief in themselves truly paid off in a thrilling finish at Easton Stadium, where the Bruins ultimately triumphed over California Baptist 12-11, scoring three runs in the final inning.
A crucial sacrifice fly from Arena Garcia brought Riley Slim home, igniting celebrations from a team that had been through quite the rollercoaster of emotions.
“Bruin magic is real,” said Inouye Perez, especially after his squad hit four home runs and survived what could only be described as a chaotic fifth inning.
That inning was rough—Cal Baptist sent 14 batters to the plate, taking advantage of three walks and a couple of home runs, alongside some shaky defense from UCLA, flipping a 7-1 deficit into an 11-7 lead.
This was officially the most runs UCLA (48-8) has allowed in an inning since they gave up 11 to Arizona back in 1998.
Still, it didn’t faze the team, who are looking to continue their path through the championship bracket.
“Welcome to the postseason, right?” said Inouye Perez.
What It Means
The Bruins, aiming for their third consecutive Women’s College World Series title, won’t be facing elimination just yet.
Turning Point
Trailing by two in the bottom of the seventh, UCLA seized the game.
After Sujin Berry hit a single, freshman Jolina Lamar, who had struggled earlier—she even struck out in her first two at-bats and was pinch-hit for in the fifth—came to the plate. “So many people kept encouraging me, saying they believed in me,” Lamar recalled. “That pushed me to keep going.”
She delivered by hitting a two-run homer to right-center from a full count that tied the game.
Following her, Riley Slim hustled for an infield hit, then back-to-back walks to Megan Grant and Woolley loaded the bases. Garcia’s sacrifice fly clinched the win.
Did You See That?
MVP: Bryn Nalley
After replacing Tinsley in the fifth and allowing a home run to the first batter, UCLA relief pitcher Bryn Nalley (5-1) managed to regain control, keeping the Lancers scoreless for the final two-thirds of the inning.
“I think what made us most proud, aside from the offense, was Bryn Nalley coming in and stopping the bleeding. That was a huge lift for all of us,” Inouye Perez noted.
To the Next
The Bruins are set to take on South Carolina in the championship game Saturday at 2 p.m., following the Gamecocks’ comeback win against Cal State Fullerton, where they gave up four late runs but still managed to take it 7-4.
