Softball loses elimination game in Women’s College World Series

With its season on the line, UCLA softball kept plugging away, but was unable to advance in the Women’s College World Series.

In a high-scoring affair that went 10 innings, No. 7 seed UCLA fell to No. 4 seed Auburn 11-10 on Saturday night. Due to the double-elimination format of the tournament, the loss ended the season for the Bruins (51-12), who had already lost on Friday to the No. 3 seed Michigan Wolverines.

The game got off to an explosive start for UCLA, as the team jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Auburn (56-10) would respond in the bottom half of the third, scoring six runs of its own.

After the Bruins tied it in the 6-6 in the fourth, the Tigers would take the lead off outfielder Branndi Melero’s three-run home run in the bottom of that inning.

Auburn held a 9-7 lead going into the top of the seventh, until UCLA freshman first baseman Maddy Jelenicki hit a two-run home run to give the Bruins a 10-9 lead. Auburn would add a run in the bottom of the seventh to send the game into extra innings tied 10-10.

The teams would go three more innings until senior pitcher Ally Carda walked a batter with bases loaded, giving Auburn the go-ahead score.

In UCLA’s first Women’s College World Series since 2010, the Bruins finished with a 1-2 record. Overall, the Bruins scored 21 runs in their three world series games this year, and allowed their opponents to score 22.

Compiled by Taylor Hollowell, Bruin Sports reporter. 

Published by Matt Joye

Joye is a senior staff Sports writer, currently covering UCLA football, men's basketball and baseball. Previously, Joye served as an assistant Sports editor in the 2014-2015 school year, and as the UCLA softball beat writer for the 2014 season.

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