The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) softball team recorded its third consecutive Big Ten Conference series sweep with a 17-6 run-rule victory over Rutgers on March 23 at the Rutgers Softball Complex in Piscataway, New Jersey.
This win extends UCLA’s current winning streak to 22 games and marks their 20th run-rule victory of the season. The Bruins, now holding a record of 28-3 overall and 9-0 in conference play, topped double-digit runs for the sixth game in a row and came within one hit of matching their season high.
During Monday’s matchup, UCLA hit three home runs in the second inning. Aleena Garcia, Alexis Ramirez, and Bri Alejandre all homered, with Alejandre delivering her fourth home run of the series—a grand slam that also marked UCLA’s ninth grand slam and its 100th home run this season. All nine positions in UCLA’s lineup contributed at least one home run during the three-game set against Rutgers.
Alejandre finished with three hits and seven RBIs—her career best—making her the third Bruin this year to reach seven RBIs in a single game. Senior Jordan Woolery added six RBIs on three hits and continues to lead NCAA Division I softball with 68 RBIs this season. Rylee Slimp went three-for-three at bat and scored four runs while Megan Grant extended her on-base streak to 31 games this year.
Although Rutgers narrowed an early deficit by scoring four runs in the fourth inning, freshman Natalie Cable entered as relief pitcher for UCLA to end the threat with two strikeouts. Cable completed her outing by pitching nearly three scoreless innings for her seventh win of the season.
UCLA will conclude its road trip with a three-game series against No. 9 Nebraska at Bowlin Stadium starting Friday.
