The UCLA softball team defeated Illinois 18-0 in five innings on April 12, completing a Big Ten Conference series sweep at Eichelberger Field.
The win marks the Bruins’ 22nd run-rule victory of the season and their twelfth game scoring more than 15 runs. Over the three-game set, UCLA outscored Illinois by a combined total of 45-1.
Redshirt freshman Aleena Garcia and sophomore Sofia Mujica each hit two home runs during the game. Garcia achieved her first multi-homer game and has now homered in four consecutive games, while Mujica recorded her third career multi-homer performance. The Bruins hit six home runs in this matchup, bringing their series total to eighteen.
Garcia drove in a career-high six runs with two three-run home runs. Mujica finished with three hits for a new personal best. Seven UCLA players recorded multiple hits, including pinch hitters Rylee Pinedo and Soo-Jin Berry. Pinedo tallied her first career multi-hit game and extra-base hit.
Sophomore pitcher Brynne Nally delivered her first complete-game shutout, allowing five hits while walking one batter and striking out another. Freshman Jolyna Lamar contributed offensively with a double that led to a run after an error by Illinois’ third baseman. Megan Grant added her twenty-ninth home run of the season, moving closer to tying Stacey Nuveman’s program record of thirty-one homers.
UCLA is scheduled to return to Easton Stadium on Tuesday, April 14 for a non-conference game against Cal Baptist at 6 p.m.
