When Megan Grant from UCLA stepped up to bat in the fifth inning, the bases were empty. It was a critical moment, yet the University of South Carolina decided to make a pitching change to confront one of college softball’s top hitters.
But it didn’t alter the outcome.
That night, Grant connected with the third pitch, sending it soaring over the left-center field for a grand slam. With that, she claimed the title of home run queen for the game.
Her 40th home run of the season tied the NCAA record, providing the Bruins the cushion they needed to crush the Gamecocks 15-1, thanks to a six-inning run rule, in the NCAA Tournament regional finals at Easton Stadium.
This victory advances UCLA (50-8) to the Super Regional next week, where they will face Central Florida at home. The series, a best-of-three, kicks off Friday evening at 6 PM PDT.
After Grant’s impressive shot, her teammates rushed out of the dugout to celebrate her second regional home run. She shared that, with a runner on third, she aimed to hit the ball high, and well, she did just that, marking her 89th career home run—just one shy of Stacey Knoebman’s school record of 90.
“Honestly, it’s surreal,” Grant noted. “Saying the number 40, that’s a real blessing, isn’t it?”
This hit propelled UCLA to a 6-0 lead, although the Gamecocks (32-28) finally managed to score against ace pitcher Taylor Tinsley later in the inning.
In the sixth inning, with the bases loaded, Grant again stepped up to bat and blasted a two-run homer over center field, which brought her total to six RBIs for the day. Following her, Jordan Woolley hit a two-run double down the left field line, contributing to the Bruins’ impressive display of two home runs and five extra-base hits.
Tinsley (30-6) showcased her skills with a strong performance; she pitched her second complete game in recent days, allowing just two hits and one run, alongside two strikeouts and two walks.
What It Means
UCLA continued their athletic dominance over South Carolina in yet another high-stakes moment.
Just last month, the UCLA women’s basketball team bested the Gamecocks by 28 points during the national championship game. Moreover, they previously halted South Carolina’s 43-game win streak back in December 2024.
UCLA’s softball squad beat the Gamecocks in the super regional last season, and they established a similar dominance again after this weekend’s two-game sweep.
And speaking of rivalries, South Carolina fans might find more to worry about this fall, as former Gamecocks wide receiver Brian Rowe Jr. is emerging as a potential star on the UCLA football team after impressing during spring practice.
Turning Point
Both pitchers were engaged in a nail-biting battle when one mistake opened the door.
A fielding error in the third inning extended the play, bringing UCLA’s leadoff hitter, Riley Slim, to the plate.
He capitalized on the situation by hitting a two-run home run that cleared the left-field wall and landed on the scoreboard, finally putting runs on the board for the Bruins.
The mishap occurred when Jolina Lamar hit a sharp grounder to South Carolina shortstop Shea Anderson, who bobbled it, leading to an error.
Just four pitches later, Slim’s home run gave UCLA a 2-0 advantage. This marked his 15th home run, which is quite extraordinary for a leadoff hitter—outpacing everyone else in South Carolina’s lineup.
MVP: Taylor Tinsley
Tinsley’s ability to become more formidable with each tournament is reassuring for the Bruins; she’ll likely start every game in the upcoming super district tournament and could lead them into the Women’s College World Series if they keep winning.
“She got even stronger over the weekend, and I’m proud of that. It’s good for us,” UCLA coach Kelly Inouye Perez commented.
Did You See That?
Kaniya Bragg from UCLA smacked a two-run home run in the sixth inning, sending the ball over the left-center field wall and onto the roof of the building where the Bruins practice their batting.
To the Next
UCLA will face Central Florida in the upcoming Super Regional.
