Every time Caitlin Terry took to the mound, she couldn’t help but think about how the UCLA softball team had reached this moment.
With just one reliable pitcher left, the Bruins found themselves leaning heavily on Taylor Tinsley during the postseason.
Not long ago, Terry and Tinsley had teamed up, guiding the Bruins to the Women’s College World Series as a formidable pitching pair.
After Terry’s transfer to Texas Tech, Tinsley was left as the sole ace for UCLA.
Despite her efforts, UCLA’s coach, Kelly Inouye Perez, struggled to find another pitcher matching Tinsley’s talent.
Thus, the Bruins relied on their ace until the very end of the season.
This was driven home once again on a notable Sunday night at Devon Park in Oklahoma City.
After a thrilling game, Terry and her new team edged out Tinsley and UCLA in an elimination match, winning 8-7. They managed to overcome a late surge from the Bruins’ renowned offense.
It was a heartfelt moment as Jordan Woolley broke down in tears, embracing teammates Megan Grant and hitting coach Lisa Fernandez.
“These two will go down as among the greatest to ever play Division I softball,” Inouye Perez remarked about the duo, who wrapped up their careers with 170 home runs, including 78 this season.
Home runs were pivotal in UCLA’s efforts on Sunday, too.
Entering the seventh inning down by three runs, Ramsey Suarez kicked things off with a leadoff homer against Terry. Following that, Texas Tech opted to go with right-handed pitcher Nijari Canady again, alternating between pitchers.
After allowing a single to Jazmin Leyva, Canady got the next two batters out. Woolley, who had hit a two-run homer earlier, faced Canady again.
After Canady threw a first-pitch strike, he challenged Woolley once more.
The reactions spoke volumes.
Woolley joyfully flipped his bat as the ball soared for another two-run homer, while Canady expressed his frustration by smashing his glove into the dirt.
The sounds echoed for miles, with UCLA fans still at Jackie Robinson Stadium erupting in cheers.
“You must acknowledge the talent of Megan Grant and Jordan Woolley,” Texas Tech’s coach Jerry Glasco noted. “They’re not just good players, they’re exceptional.” He added that competing against them is always a challenge.
Nonetheless, the Red Raiders had to seal the win.
In the ninth inning, Terry opened with a single and then hit a double to left-center. With the bases loaded, Tinsley struck out two batters but was nearly free from trouble when a fielding error allowed an extra run.
Did UCLA have any tricks left up their sleeve?
They did manage some.
In the ninth, Riley Slim got a one-out single, followed by Grant walking after five pitches, and Woolley hit a single to center that drove in a run.
“Before my last at-bat,” Woolley said, “I told Meg, ‘This is what we were born to do.’”
The Red Raiders turned back to Canady, who watched Garcia fly out to left, and Bri Alejandre struck out looking to end the game.
Tinsley (33-8) ended her collegiate career by pitching the full nine innings and tossing an impressive 181 pitches, earning profound respect from her teammates.
“It’s been special getting to know her,” Woolley said, tears in her eyes. “She’s amazing. No one truly understands what she’s contributed to this team and program. I hope everyone sees how we feel about Tinks because she’s perfect… Well, maybe not perfect. But she’s my roommate and one of my closest friends; I’d do anything for her.”
Tinsley’s workload had been substantial; she started every game during the NCAA Tournament, pitching 49 1/3 of the team’s total 52 innings.
“We have a pitcher who has carried this program for three years,” Inouye Perez expressed. “I’m so thankful for her efforts.”
Now, however, the Bruins will need to turn to another pitcher.
