UCLA infielder Kaniya Bragg made a notable play by forcing out a runner at second base, but her efforts were not enough to prevent the Bruins from suffering a 3-1 defeat against Texas Tech during the Women’s College World Series on Saturday. This loss inhibited UCLA’s chance to seek revenge for their early exit in last season’s tournament.
UCLA had come off a thrilling walk-off victory against Oregon earlier that day but was unable to maintain that momentum against Texas Tech’s star pitcher, NiJaree Canady. Canady, a former ace from Stanford who previously eliminated UCLA in 2024, showcased her dominance on the mound, yielding just four hits while striking out seven batters and issuing two walks.
The Bruins showcased their competitive spirit but struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving five runners stranded throughout the game. The most critical moment came in the seventh inning when a series of hits brought hope to UCLA. However, they fell short after Kaniya Bragg popped out and a pinch-hitter struck out, allowing Slimp to get tagged out and ending the game.
UCLA head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez acknowledged the hard-fought battle and praised her team’s effort. She mentioned, “We did what we do…we were one swing away from winning that ballgame,” conveying a sense of pride in her team’s performance despite the setback.
Bragg did manage to tie the game in the fifth inning with a solo home run, but Texas Tech quickly regained the lead. They executed a daring steal of home by pinch runner Makayla Garcia, showcasing their aggressive play style, which surprised the Bruins and emphasized the tactical nature of the game.
The Bruins (55-12) will shift their focus to their next game, facing Tennessee at noon (PDT) on Sunday. They will need to win to keep their hopes alive for a 13th national title. Pitcher Taylor Tinsley showed promise with a solid performance, allowing only four hits with two strikeouts.
Texas Tech, with a record of 52-12, is on the brink of reaching the championship series in their first World Series appearance. Their coach, Gerry Glasco, lauded Canady’s stellar performance, highlighting her skill in handling a formidable UCLA lineup.
As the Bruins look ahead, Inouye-Perez emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and energy, urging her players to enjoy the competition on this prominent stage. The resilience displayed by both teams sets the tone for an exciting continuation of the tournament, with hopeful prospects for UCLA as they aim to persevere against Tennessee.