The UCLA softball team lost to Oregon, 13-11, in a Big Ten Conference game at Easton Stadium on May 2. The contest featured five lead changes and ended with the Bruins’ comeback attempt falling short in the seventh inning.
This result matters as both teams are among the top-ranked programs in the conference, with UCLA holding a record of 44-7 and Oregon at 40-10. The Ducks secured the series victory after reliever Elise Sokolsky retired three consecutive batters following a three-run home run by UCLA freshman Bri Alejandre that cut the deficit to two runs.
Alejandre’s home run was her twentieth of the season, tying UCLA’s freshman single-season record set by Stacey Nuveman in 1997. The Bruins hit five home runs during the game, with contributions from Alejandre, Kaniya Bragg, Megan Grant (her thirty-fifth of the year), Rylee Slimp, and Jordan Woolery (her thirty-second). Slimp finished three-for-four and was just a triple shy of hitting for the cycle.
Fielding errors affected UCLA’s performance. A miscommunication among Bruin infielders allowed an extended at-bat that led to an Oregon bases-clearing double and additional runs scored on subsequent errors. More defensive mistakes helped Oregon add insurance runs late in the game.
Taylor Tinsley pitched over five innings for UCLA but allowed ten runs—five earned—and took her fifth loss of the season. Ma’ake led Oregon offensively with four hits and three RBIs.
Looking ahead, UCLA will try to avoid a sweep when they face Oregon again on Sunday morning. Senior Day celebrations for Grant, Tinsley, and Woolery are scheduled before first pitch.
