UCLA and UCF set for Super Regional clash as Bruins seek WCWS berth
The Super Regional begins Friday night at Easton Stadium, with UCLA aiming for a third consecutive Women’s College World Series appearance while UCF pursues its first-ever trip to the national final stage.
The UCLA Bruins, seeded eighth with a 50-8 record, will host the unseeded UCF Knights (41-17-1) for Game 1 of their NCAA Women’s College World Series Super Regional on Friday night. The contest takes place at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment in the tournament structure as both programs navigate the path to the national final.
UCLA advanced to this stage by sweeping its regional series, overcoming a challenge from California Baptist in the opener before defeating South Carolina twice, including a run-rule victory in the regional final. This achievement extends UCLA’s presence in the national landscape, as the program enters its 27th consecutive NCAA tournament and third straight Super Regional. The Bruins hold 12 national championships, although a 13th title awarded in 1995 was later vacated by the NCAA.
The Knights secured their spot in the Super Regional by defeating Florida State 4-2 in the final game of their regional series, following a loss in the first game of that matchup. UCF is currently in its sixth straight NCAA tournament and second Super Regional, seeking its first-ever trip to the Women’s College World Series.
Offensively, UCLA is led by Megan Grant, who set an NCAA single-season record with 40 home runs this season. Teammate Jordan Woolery has recorded 34 home runs and 111 RBI. On the mound, UCLA pitcher Tinsley Taylor enters the series with a 3.03 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP over 203 innings.
UCF’s offensive output is spearheaded by Kendall Yarnell, who holds a team-best 1.222 OPS with 15 home runs and 46 RBI. Beth Damon leads the team with 16 home runs, while Sierra Humphreys has contributed 56 RBI. UCF’s pitching staff is anchored by Isabella Vega, who leads with a 2.81 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 149.2 innings.
