Bruins Battle Back, Headed to Oklahoma City
The UCLA Bruins showed true grit and heart during the NCAA Super Regionals in Columbia, South Carolina, punching their ticket to the Women’s College World Series with a dramatic comeback.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The UCLA Bruins showed true grit and heart during the NCAA Super Regionals in Columbia, South Carolina, punching their ticket to the Women’s College World Series with a dramatic comeback.
Facing elimination in Game 2, the Bruins (54-11) were down to their final out when sophomore slugger Jordan Woolery blasted a walk-off two-run homer over the left field wall, tying the series against South Carolina. It was Woolery’s 23rd home run of the season and UCLA’s first postseason walk-off since Rachel Garcia’s memorable three-run shot in the 2019 WCWS.
“That moment was everything,” said Woolery. “This team is made of love.”
With momentum on their side, the Bruins dominated Game 3, shutting out the Gamecocks 5-0 to advance to Oklahoma City for the 33rd time in program history—and the ninth time in the last 10 seasons.
Timely Hitting and Lockdown Pitching
UCLA took an early lead in the decisive game with three straight singles to open the first inning. Woolery drove in Jessica Clements for the game’s first run with a base hit up the middle. Though South Carolina managed a double play to limit damage, the Bruins kept the pressure on.
Leading 2-0 into the seventh, UCLA added three more insurance runs. Clements led off with a single, and she and Savannah Pola scored on a clutch single from Rylee Slimp. Alexis Ramirez followed with an RBI single to cap the scoring.
“We faced adversity, and we had each other’s backs,” said Pola. “We weren’t separating or giving up.”
In the circle, Kaitlyn Terry (19-5) bounced back from a rough Game 1 outing to deliver 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Taylor Tinsley came in for the final 1 1/3 to earn her third save, combining to hold the eighth-seeded Gamecocks (44-17) to just four hits.
Heart and Hustle
Terry’s Game 1 struggles—five hits and five earned runs in less than two innings—didn’t define her weekend. In Game 3, she didn’t allow a runner past second base.
“For my Bruins, I couldn’t be more proud,” said Head Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. “We talk about believing in the work, playing together, and having each other’s backs. Every team sets out with the goal of making it to OKC, and this group earned it.”
South Carolina’s last real threat came in the sixth, with two deep fly balls that right fielder Liesl Osteen caught at the warning track. Tinsley closed the door by striking out Ella Chancey with two on.
UCLA players celebrate after defeating South Carolina 5-0 in Game 3 of the NCAA softball Super Regional on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. The Bruins advanced to the Women’s College World Series with the victory. (UCLA Athletics)
UCLA now joins the nation’s elite in Oklahoma City, chasing another championship with its trademark resilience and unity.
