UCLA Softball Soars to Success

Alina Garcia from UCLA was understandably ecstatic after delivering a stunning three-run homer, showcasing a phenomenal offensive display.

When a reporter highlighted that the Bruins softball team set an NCAA record by hitting 200 home runs, which secured their spot in the Women’s College World Series for the third consecutive year, Garcia looked momentarily stunned. Then, in disbelief, she covered her mouth.

It’s quite the accomplishment, isn’t it?

After defeating Central Florida for the second consecutive year in the NCAA Tournament Super Regional on Saturday night at Easton Stadium, it seems like UCLA has written “2026” across everything in their offensive record book.

Garcia, a redshirt freshman, established a school postseason record by amassing seven RBIs as the Bruins triumphed 14-4, marking their third consecutive win with a cumulative score of 23-5.

“What a dynamic batting lineup,” noted Central Florida manager Cindy Ball Malone, perhaps underplaying the team’s impressive performance, as UCLA hit .360 with a .535 on-base percentage throughout the series.

The Knights seemed to focus their pitching on Bruins slugger Megan Grant—who was walked six times in just seven at-bats across two games—without finding a way to neutralize the rest of the lineup.

On Saturday, UCLA’s Bri Alejandre and Alexis Ramirez also cleared the fences, contributing to a total of seven home runs in two games, extending the Bruins’ NCAA record for the season.

Garcia, laughing, remarked, “I knew there were a lot of home runs, but I didn’t realize it was 200. This team has definitely broken many records, but our main goal isn’t just that. We’re focused on the process, and if we do this right, the records will follow.”

UCLA’s impressive tally of 651 RBIs this season eclipsed the previous NCAA record of 638 set by Oklahoma in 2021. The Bruins’ batting average of .385, an on-base percentage of .496, and a slugging percentage of .836 are all on track to set school records.

According to UCLA coach Kelly Inouye Perez, “Hitters are individuals, and yes, it’s a personal opportunity. But this team really plays as a cohesive unit, starting from the coaches to the players, everyone supports each other.”

What It Means

The Bruins now ready themselves for college softball’s ultimate showdown, equipped with a powerhouse offense complemented by the relentless pitching of Taylor Tinsley.

Tinsley (32-6) threw every pitch for the Bruins during the two Super Regional games, achieving a postseason-high of 11 strikeouts. She’s also played a pivotal role in the team’s last four NCAA Tournament victories.

Turning Point

Central Florida (41-19-1) narrowed the score to 6-4 during the fifth inning, and in a decisive moment, Garcia smacked her second three-run homer in the sixth, effectively securing the Bruins’ 34th WCWS appearance.

MVP: Alina Garcia

Garcia’s outstanding performance revealed just how deep and strong the Bruins’ batting lineup truly is.

Leadoff hitter Riley Slim alone has 14 home runs—outnumbering the combined total of some No. 4 hitters on rival teams—while No. 9 hitter Jolina Lamar boasts a .336 batting average.

To the Next

The eighth-seeded Bruins are set to face top-seeded Alabama in the WCWS opener in Oklahoma City, with the date and time yet to be announced.