Go Joe Bruin
Fansided

UCLA Softball’s Women’s College World Series run comes to a 2-loss end

By Mike Regalado

BOULDER, CO - SEPTEMBER 29: The Bruins flag flies as the UCLA Bruins score a touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on September 29, 2012 in Boulder, Colorado. UCLA defeated Colorado 42-14. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO - SEPTEMBER 29: The Bruins flag flies as the UCLA Bruins score a touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on September 29, 2012 in Boulder, Colorado. UCLA defeated Colorado 42-14. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The UCLA softball team’s run in the Women’s College World Series came to an unexpected end on Sunday when the Bruins lost two straight in the National Semifinals.

It had to end sometime, but it ended too soon for the UCLA softball team who lost two straight games to Florida State on Sunday, eliminating them from the Women’s College World Series. The Bruins only needed one win to move onto the Championship Series, but unfortunately could not pull out a win in either game.

UCLA had come into the Women’s College World Series with two amazing performances on Thursday and Friday, both of which the Bruins had to rally for the win down 4-0. In the first round, UCLA took on Florida State in the first of what would be three meetings. Down four runs, the Bruins finished with seven of their own to take the 7-4 victory.

On Friday, the Bruins did it again, though they had to slug it out with Florida in a 6-5 win. This contest was a bit closer, though UCLA was able to once again show their resiliency in the win, yet overall, it was a battle the whole way. UCLA’s Rachel Garcia and Florida’s Kelly Barnhill combined for 28 strikeouts. Both teams also collectively had 10 hits and 5 homeruns in the game.

With the two early wins, the Bruins had Saturday off as the teams in the elimination bracket fought for the right to take on UCLA on Sunday.

Though they needed just one win, the Bruins failed to achieve that when they took on FSU for the second time, losing the first game 3-1 and looked exhausted in the second game of the day as they lost 12-6. In that game, Rachel Garcia was pulled twice, and had to be re-inserted twice, though her backups Selina Ta’amilo and Holly Acevedo could not help out as they gave up 10 hits and 3 homers.

And just like that, the Bruins’ season was over as they finished 58-7. Though they had many great accomplishments this season, it was marred by the fact that they could not win any hardware. Still, this is a young team and would should see them back in full force next season. You’ll get them next time, Bruins!