The University of California, Los Angeles softball team tied a program record for runs scored during a 27-9 victory against Long Beach State at the LBSU Softball Complex on April 15.
The Bruins’ offensive performance matched their previous high of 27 runs set in February 2019. The team overcame an early deficit and scored 20 unanswered runs, including a surge of 12 runs in the seventh inning.
UCLA finished with 18 hits and five home runs, three of which were grand slams by Jordan Woolery, Kaniya Bragg, and Bri Alejandre. The Bruins are now two home runs away from tying the Big Ten Conference single-season home run record of 147 set by Ohio State last year. Bragg went four for six at the plate with five RBIs and nearly completed a cycle. Her game included key plays such as driving in two tying runs in the fifth inning and hitting her second grand slam of the season to give UCLA a decisive lead.
Megan Grant contributed her thirtieth home run this season, becoming only the second player in UCLA history to reach that mark. She is one homer shy of Stacey Nuveman’s school record set in 1999. Grant also reached base five times through four walks—a feat she previously accomplished earlier this season.
Rylee Slimp tied a single-game program record by scoring five times, while senior Taylor Tinsley pitched almost four shutout innings to secure her twenty-second win this year after pitching a complete game just one day prior. Shortstop Aleena Garcia achieved eight putouts, marking another career best.
Long Beach State erased an early seven-run deficit before UCLA regained control late in the game using walks and small ball tactics. The Bruins will next face California for a double-header at Easton Stadium on April 18.
