UCLA Softball Wins NCAA Opener After 10-Run Deficit

The UCLA softball team gave up 10 runs in one inning but still won their NCAA opener, showing amazing comeback power.
By Newsroom | Sports, Softball |

A Ten-Run Meltdown Followed by a Dramatic Comeback

In a startling display of volatility, the UCLA softball team found itself on the precipice of defeat yesterday, having surrendered a staggering 10 runs in a single inning during its NCAA regional opener. Yet, in a turn of events that defied the earlier collapse, the Bruins orchestrated a remarkable rally, ultimately clinching a walk-off win.

The contest, held as part of the Los Angeles NCAA Regional, saw the Bruins, a team noted for its record-setting home runs this season and nicknamed the "Bruin Bombers," stare down a significant deficit. The turnaround was fueled by clutch hitting in the later innings. Specifically, Jolyna Lamar delivered a pivotal two-run home run in the seventh inning, drawing the score level. This set the stage for a dramatic conclusion.

The game-winning run was ultimately scored due to a combination of factors. A sacrifice fly by Aleena Garcia to right field resulted in a play where California Baptist outfielder Stevie Robison overthrew the ball towards home plate, allowing leadoff hitter Rylee Slimp to cross and secure the victory.

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Inning of Chaos, Moments of Brilliance

The sheer scale of the Bruins' defensive lapse in the crucial inning remains a focal point. After what appears to have been a scoring sequence involving fielding errors, a single, and a home run for California Baptist, the Lancers capitalized further. Pitcher Brynne Nally, who had replaced Tinsley on the mound, gave up a two-run home run before the Lancers' onslaught was finally contained. Prior to this, Ashlee Annett had provided a three-run double, giving the Lancers their first lead, followed by a home run from Macias. Later, Nally conceded a solo home run to Sydney Peterson.

UCLA surrenders 10 runs in an inning, rallies to win NCAA regional opener on walk-off - 1

Despite the defensive struggles and the opponent's significant offensive burst, the Bruins’ offense showed resilience. Earlier in the game, the Bruins had managed to score runs, including five in the third inning.

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The victory marks a significant, albeit chaotic, start to the NCAA regional tournament for the seventh-seeded Bruins. The team's ability to recover from such a substantial inning-wide setback highlights a certain grit, even if it exposed considerable vulnerabilities.

A Glimpse of Past Drama

This is not the first time UCLA has been involved in a dramatic, late-game victory this season. In February, the Bruins defeated South Carolina—another team present in this regional bracket—by a score of 5-4 with a walk-off hit. A video from May 24, 2025, also indicates UCLA forcing a game three in the super regionals with a walk-off two-run homer against South Carolina. These instances suggest a pattern of contests that go down to the wire for the Bruins, though yesterday's scenario presented a particularly stark contrast between struggle and triumph.

The current regional games are reportedly scheduled for streaming on ESPN+, with potential broadcasts on ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNU.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did UCLA softball win their NCAA regional opener yesterday?
UCLA softball won their NCAA regional opener yesterday with a walk-off win. They were losing badly, having given up 10 runs in one inning, but they fought back to win the game.
Q: What happened in the UCLA softball game that made them lose so many runs?
In one inning, UCLA softball had a tough time. Fielding errors, hits, and home runs allowed California Baptist to score 10 runs. This included a three-run double and a solo home run.
Q: Who helped UCLA softball come back to win their NCAA opener?
Jolyna Lamar hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning to tie the game for UCLA. The winning run was scored later when a throw went wrong, allowing Rylee Slimp to score the final run.
Q: Where was the UCLA softball NCAA regional opener played?
The UCLA softball NCAA regional opener was played in Los Angeles as part of the Los Angeles NCAA Regional tournament.
Q: When did the UCLA softball team have a similar dramatic win before?
UCLA softball has had other close games this season. In February, they beat South Carolina 5-4 with a last-minute hit, and last year they also won a game with a walk-off homer.