UCLA Softball Streak Ends with Loss to South Carolina in Super Regional Opener
COLUMBIA, S.C. — UCLA softball’s six-game winning streak in Super Regional play ended in a decisive 9-2 defeat against South Carolina at Beckham Field. Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez acknowledged that the Gamecocks executed their game plan better, emphasizing the postseason’s two-out-of-three format as a chance for redemption.
South Carolina (44-15) took an early lead, scoring five runs in the first two innings, highlighted by Lexi Winters’ two-run homer. The Gamecocks showcased their offensive prowess by scoring seven of their nine runs with two outs, building on a trend from their prior regional games.
Despite a fourth-inning response from UCLA (52-11) with two runs, South Carolina’s reliever Sam Gress stifled any further scoring threats. The Gamecocks demonstrated strong pitching overall, with Gress and starting pitcher Jori Heard limiting the Bruins effectively.
Inouye-Perez remains optimistic about Saturday’s Game 2, emphasizing resilience and focus. Historical patterns favor UCLA, having rallied from similar scenarios before. The Bruins aim to bounce back and keep their postseason hopes alive, with the next game slated for 10 a.m. PDT on Saturday, broadcast on ESPN.
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