Bruins Blast Their Way Into Super Regionals
The No. 9-seeded UCLA softball team flexed its offensive and defensive muscle once again, defeating San Diego State 10-0 in six innings Saturday afternoon at Easton Stadium. It marked the Bruins’ second consecutive mercy-rule win and capped off a dominant NCAA Regional performance.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES — The No. 9-seeded UCLA softball team flexed its offensive and defensive muscle once again, defeating San Diego State 10-0 in six innings Saturday afternoon at Easton Stadium. It marked the Bruins’ second consecutive mercy-rule win and capped off a dominant NCAA Regional performance.
With the victory, UCLA advances to its 15th Super Regional in program history.
“I’m going to credit [associate head coach] Lisa Fernandez in recruiting,” said head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. “We get the right athletes to play at UCLA. They’re selfless. They’re fierce. They play for each other. There’s a work ethic about them. They’re playing for something bigger than all of us, which is UCLA.”
Woolery and Clements Lead the Charge
Graduate student outfielder Jessica Clements holds her bat. Clements recorded three hits on three at-bats, in addition to a walk, and scored three runs on the day. (Nicolas Greamo/Daily Bruin senior staff)
Junior third baseman Jordan Woolery powered the Bruins’ offense with a 2-for-2 performance, including a home run, a triple, and five RBIs. Graduate center fielder Jessica Clements added to the onslaught by going 3-for-3 with a double, a walk, and three runs scored.
UCLA, playing as the designated visitors, wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Just eight pitches into the game, they were up 3-0. Clements led off with a double, followed by a bunt single from Savannah Pola. Woolery then launched her 21st home run of the season to left-center, continuing her tear as the team’s RBI leader.
Woolery’s five-RBI day brought her season total to 81—second-most in UCLA single-season history, trailing only Stacey Nuveman’s 91 RBIs in 1999.
Terry Shuts the Door
Sophomore two-way standout Kaitlyn Terry pitched a gem, earning her fourth complete-game shutout of the season. She allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out five, improving her record to 18-4.
“Kaitlyn continues to give us confidence in the circle,” Inouye-Perez said. “She controls the game, and that allows our offense to settle in and do what it does best.”
Regional Domination
The Bruins (52-10) totaled 13 hits against the Aztecs, marking the third straight game in which they recorded double-digit hits in the Regional round. Junior catcher Alexis Ramirez went 3-for-4, matching her career high in hits and driving in five runs with three separate RBI singles.
Woolery, Megan Grant, and Clements all homered in the contest.
“Every year is different,” Inouye-Perez added. “The bottom line is that we had so many people step up. What’s different this year is that [Woolery and Grant] are the leadership group. They’ve taken care of the program and are leading by example. Getting to the Super Regional never gets old—that’s always the goal.”
For the first time in program history, UCLA opened the NCAA Tournament with three straight run-rule victories. The Bruins also set a new program best for run differential in a Regional during the Super Regional era (since 2005), outscoring opponents 31-2 (+29).
Super Regional Bound
UCLA now heads east for a Super Regional clash in Columbia, South Carolina, where they’ll face the Gamecocks (43-15). South Carolina also impressed in their Regional, going undefeated and allowing just two runs in three games—defeating Elon 5-2 and shutting out North Florida twice, 3-0 and 8-0.
