After a nail-biting game in the Columbia Super Regional, UCLA softball coach Kelly Inouye-Perez found herself fixated on one pitch. With her team on the brink of elimination and trailing by three runs in Game 2, all she could think about was that one crucial moment. And against all odds, superstar slugger Jordan Woolery delivered with a walk-off home run to secure a thrilling 5-4 victory over South Carolina, forcing a decisive Game 3.
The game seemed out of reach for UCLA for most of the day, with South Carolina holding a lead and just three outs away from clinching a spot in the Women’s College World Series. But pinch hitter Taylor Stephens and Kaitlyn Terry’s heroics in the bottom of the seventh inning set the stage for Woolery’s game-winning blast. The Bruins refused to go down without a fight, showcasing the resilience and determination that define their team.
As Woolery stepped up to the plate with the game on the line, South Carolina made a pitching change, hoping to shut down UCLA’s comeback bid. However, the move backfired as Woolery capitalized on the opportunity to catch her breath and refocus. With one swing of the bat, she sent the ball soaring over the fence, propelling UCLA to victory in a dramatic fashion. The team’s never-say-die attitude and unwavering belief in their abilities ultimately paid off when it mattered most.
Pitcher Taylor Tinsley also played a crucial role in UCLA’s comeback, delivering a gutsy 137-pitch complete game performance to keep her team in the game. Despite facing numerous challenges and pressure-packed situations, Tinsley remained composed and resilient, showcasing the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest level of competition. Her stellar outing set the stage for Woolery’s dramatic heroics, capping off a remarkable come-from-behind win for the Bruins.
In the end, it was a combination of individual brilliance and team effort that propelled UCLA to victory in Game 2. The players’ unwavering belief in themselves and their teammates, coupled with their relentless determination to succeed, was evident throughout the game. As they prepare for the winner-take-all Game 3, the Bruins will look to build on the momentum from their thrilling comeback and carry that same fighting spirit onto the field. With a spot in the Women’s College World Series on the line, UCLA will once again rely on their “Bruin magic” to defy the odds and emerge victorious in the decisive showdown.
