UCLA Softball Falls to Texas Tech in NCAA Tournament

UCLA softball fell to Texas Tech 8-7 in a dramatic NCAA Tournament game, failing to complete a late comeback after trailing by two runs in the sixth inning. Texas Tech took an early lead with three hits in the first inning, including an RBI single by Lauren Allred, before UCLA tied the game in the bottom of the first when Jordan Woolery hit a two-run home run. The Red Raiders reclaimed the lead in the second inning with a home run and two straight singles, followed by two walks, before UCLA tied the score again in the third with a hit-by-pitch and a run-scoring base hit. Texas Tech regained the lead in the fourth with another RBI from Allred and extended it in the sixth with solo home runs from Mia Williams and Taylor Pannell, finishing the inning with a 6-3 advantage. UCLA stormed back in the bottom of the seventh, scoring three runs to tie the game after Ramsey Suarez hit a home run and Woolery delivered a two-run shot. However, Texas Tech scored twice in the ninth inning, sealing the 8-7 victory and eliminating UCLA from the tournament. The loss marks another disappointing postseason exit for UCLA, following their baseball team’s early Super Regional collapse earlier this season. The Bruins will now enter the offseason without key players Megan Grant and Jordan Woolery, who led the team in home runs, along with pitcher Taylor Tinsley, who earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors. Freshman Jazmine Leyva and sophomore Rylee Slimp are expected to take on larger roles next season as the program rebuilds.