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UCLA advances to World Series

By
Phil Sidavong
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2018 NCAA Super Regional Softball Game Two Arizona vs UCLA at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA- An early deficit didn’t mean much to the Bruins in Game 2 of the Super Regionals.

Following a two-run bomb from Arizona Wildcat Alyssa Palomino, No. 3 UCLA took its time to dissect the No. 14 seed.

Three-straight one-run innings for the Bruins beginning from the top of the second to the top of the fourth allowed the designated visiting team to take a 3-2 lead on Friday.

The No. 3 UCLA Bruins (56-5) would advance to their fourth-consecutive Women’s College World Series after sweeping the No. 14 Arizona Wildcats (43-15), 7-1 and 3-2.

The Bruins stranded 11 total runners in an eight-hit performance while the Wildcats stranded four in a four-hit outing.

”That’s just the name of the game,” UCLA head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez said. “It’s easy to watch and say to make the adjustments, but sometimes we can run-rule (an opponent) and sometimes we win by one.”

Despite not being able to convert the runs, there were plenty of chances created especially behind centerfielder Bubba Nickles’ 3-for-3 night (one BB and RBI).

“I usually just try to feed off my team,” Nickles said. “I like to focus on what they’re doing and do what I need to.”

While the Bruins were able to advance, the Wildcats were knocked out of the tournament.

Arizona first baseman Alyssa Palomino’s two-run bomb in the first was simply negated by just two hits in the following six innings.

“We did a lot of good things,” Arizona head coach Mike Candrea said. “Have to give credit where it’s due, Rachel (pitched) great.”

To the chagrin of the Wildcats, Rachel Garcia tossed 10 strikeouts in the effort and she was aided by a tough defensive effort from her team.

“Every at-bat I’d turn around and try to make eye contact with at least one of my teammates,” Garcia said. “I know they have my back and I’ll have theirs.”

UCLA will face the winner of the No. 11 LSU/No. 6 FSU Super Regionals in the first match of a four-team double-elimination bracket.

The other teams in that bracket would be the winners of No. 2 Florida/No. 15 Texas A&M and No. 7 Georgia/No. 10 Tennessee.

”I’m proud of my Bruins and how they’ve set their minds to being able to be in this position and get back to the World Series,” Inouye-Perez said. “I credit the seniors… they set the standard high and they’re excited to (have the opportunity) to be able to finish.”

Trojans can’t overcome scoring barrage

By
Dmitri Hansen
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NCAA Baseball 2018: USC vs UCLA at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA- An inning of baseball can swing the momentum of a game very quickly, and it can either devastate the opposing team, or motivate them to play better.

USC starting pitcher Quentin Longrie let the first inning get away from him as CSUN scored five runs on four hits.
The Matadors’ Albee Weiss started that scoring barrage by hitting a two run home run with one out.
After that, USC committed an error, walked a batter, then allowed three consecutive singles.
By then, the Matadors led 5-0 and everyone in the CSUN lineup had gotten an at-bat opportunity.
On the eve of each team’s 2018 season finale, that first inning eruption allowed the CSUN Matadors to dominate game two 9-3, and therefore win the series against the USC Trojans.
“I was pleased early on with the at-bats that the kids took. I felt like we got a little bit too much high air as the game went on,” USC skipper Dan Hubbs said. “It’s tough when you’re down by a little bit, the guys are trying to do too much rather than just be on base and see if we can poke a couple across.
USC kept the spark that was their comeback alive after the next two innings, by scoring one in the second and two in the third. By then, it was 5-3 and the damage that CSUN did in the first inning didn’t seem like a lot.

“They did a nice job chipping away and Isaac (Esqueda) did a good job keeping us in there,” USC skipper Dan Hubbs said. “We put ourselves in a position where if we get a single we tie the game and it changed the momentum.”

In the bottom of the fifth, a golden opportunity rose and the Trojans had the bases load with one out. The Trojans had finally got to Isaac Nunez, the pitcher that shut them down all game.
Enter, Jayson Newman.
Newman was thrown into the game at that point and got two crucial outs that ended the inning and stranded three Trojans.

“He’s been coming out of the ‘pen all year for us and has been phenomenal,” CSUN left fielder Albee Weiss said. “He’s got some great stuff and he comes out there with tenacity and relentless attack that nobody can really rival.”

The following inning after that shutdown, the Matadors put up four runs on Isaac Esqueda, the pitcher that CSUN couldn’t hit, and that was all she wrote for the Trojans.
“I thought we ran hard all night, that was the key today,” CSUN skipper Greg Moore said. “We ran hard from first to second, apply a little bit of pressure. We got out of the box aggressively, we moved pitch to pitch pretty well.”

Bruins jump on Arizona early, take game 1 of Los Angeles Super Regional

By
Carlos Gonzalez
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2018 NCAA Super Regional Softball Arizona vs UCLA at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

Los Angeles,CA- Closed mouths don’t get fed.

The bats for UCLA’s softball team have been nothing but quiet this season. The Bruins hit 4 home runs Thursday night and defeated the Arizona Wildcats 7-1 in the Super Regional.

“This team is just hungry,” said senior Madeline Jelenicki. “This team I lose.”

Jelenicki lead the Bruins tonight with 2 home runs and 3 RBI’s. Senior Kylee Perez also hit a home run and scored the game first run in the 1st inning off a double for Aaliya Jordan.

UCLA scored in each of the first 3 innings and clobbered in 5 more runs in the 5th inning.

“Tonight I was most proud of my team. My team did a really good job of playing UCLA softball,” said head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. “I thought we had a great approach and a great meter at the plate.”

Rachael Garcia was on the mound once again for the Bruins. She struck out 8 batters and didn’t allow a hit until the 4th inning. Garcia was coming off 500 pitch regional round and two complete games on Sunday.

“As a personal goal I try to be 1% percent better every game,” said Garcia.

Garcia did damage on the other side of the mound as well. Garcia hit a two run homer to start the 5th inning scoring parade for the Bruins. Garcia has homers in back-to-back games giving her 11 for the season.

Jelenicki slammed the door on the Wildcats with her second home run of the game to give UCLA its biggest lead of the game.

UCLA is looking for its 4th consecutive ticket to the Softball College World Series and even though the Bruins have had success against the Wildcats, Inouye-Perez isn’t looking past their close-out game tomorrow night.

“The scoreboard wipes clean, we have to get after it again.”

First pitch is scheduled at 6pm at Easton Field.

USC in extra innings drops game one

By
Eric Ramos
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NCAA Baseball 2018: Washington vs USC at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
USC at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA- With the game tied 1-1 in the 10th inning, CSUN’s Ben Martz drew a walk and rounded first base on his way to second base. Martz got into a rundown between bases with Joey Cooper on third base.

As Martz dove back to first, the throw bounced off his helmet and allowed Cooper to score, giving CSUN a 2-1 lead and ultimately the victory against USC in extra innings on Thursday at Dedeaux Field.

“Defensively, we played well up until that play,” USC coach Dan Hubbs said. “Offensively, we didn’t do a good job adjusting. Our guys weren’t patient and we didn’t put anything together.”

CSUN took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a leadoff double and a sacrifice fly. USC’s Stephon Dubb got on base with a leadoff walk and later scored on a grounder by Brandon Perez to make it a 1-1 game. USC loaded the bases in the third inning but couldn’t plate the go-ahead run.

USC starting pitcher Kyle Hurt did all he could to help the Trojans, allowing one hit and one run in seven innings of work. Hurt struck out two batters, walked four and retired 10 batters in a row at one point.

“He (Hurt) commanded three or four pitches in the zone,” Hubbs said. “He was able to throw his fastball and he had his changeup working. That’s two really strong starts for Kyle to finish the year. He’s got a bright future ahead of him.”

USC will look to bounce back on Friday when they host CSUN at 6 p.m. and will wrap up the season on Saturday at 2 p.m.

 

UCLA Softball wins two too advance

By
Carlos Gonzalez
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Los Angeles, CA – Facing an uphill battle going into Championships Sunday at Regionals, UCLA Softball dropped Cal State Fullerton in back to back games to advance.

In the night cap which was the Bruins third elimination game in a row, Rachel Garcia three-run homerun slammed the door in the fifth inning 6-4 ballgame.

This performance by the No 3 Bruins this weekend will carry them to next week for the Super Regionals as they host foe No 14 Arizona.

With its back against the wall in game one, UCLA’ softball team stays alive in the Los Angeles Regional round with a 3-0 victory over Cal State Fullerton.

The Bruins were lead once again by Pitcher Rachael Garcia who threw a shutout. This time, UCLA was able to take the lead in the 4th inning and Garcia did the rest with the dominating out. Garcia struck out 6 batters and went 5 innings without conceding a hit.

UCLA’s Bubba Nickles continued her strong plate appearances against the Titans. Nickles crushed a double with two outs to bring in the games first 2-runs.

With a 3-0 lead in the 7th inning, the Titans were going to go down swinging. Fullerton was able to get a runner on base with one out. Garcia forced Fullerton into a double play to keep UCLA’s hopes alive.

Now 5 PAC-12 teams advance to the Super Regionals on the Road to the Final Four!

No 1 Oregon vs No 16 Kentucky

No 3 UCLA vs No 14 Arizona

No 8 ASU vs No 9 South Carolina

No 5 Washington vs No 12 Alabama

 

 

Dallas Wings Enjoy Energetic Home Opener

By
Ariawna Talton
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Arlington, TX – In a Sunday afternoon home opener, the Dallas Wings did not disappoint an audience of lively fans. In fact, the Wings gave the home crowd every reason to anticipate a season full of great performances from a dynamic Dallas duo.

Skylar Diggins-Smith and Liz Cambage combined for 46 points, as the Wings defeated the Atlanta Dream 101 – 78.

After a rather competitive first quarter, the Wings began to apply serious pressure to the Atlanta Dream’s frontcourt. Center Liz Cambage scored 17 points in the first half alone and did an exceptional job securing several tough rebounds. While she only scored four points in the second half, the Wings enjoyed a comfortable lead of more than 20 points.

Wings’ fans appeared to be quite impressed by the newly acquired Cambage. Her footwork, her wingspan and her overall hustle solicited several jolts of energy from the crowd.

Forwards Kayla Thornton and Karima Christmas-Kelly provided great energy on defense for the Wings, in addition to their scoring of 13 and 15 points respectively. Christmas-Kelly led the team in rebounding, with a total of 10 boards. Her aggressive drives to the basket got her to the free-throw line more than any other player on the court. She made 11-14 from the foul line.

Kaela Davis’ contributions off the bench proved invaluable, as her tenacious defense frustrated the Dream. She also contributed 15 points in 28 minutes.

Five Wings players finished in double digits. Even rookie Azura’ Stevens showed flashes of what’s to come, including her long distance shot that put the Wings over 100 total points. Overall the Wings appear to have a very balanced plan of attack. Perhaps the season-opener in Phoenix, an 86-78 loss was just a way to shake off the dust.

With Diggins-Smith at the controls, Cambage holding down center and very capable role players spreading the floor – the Wings give the home crowd great hope for the young season.

In attendance to celebrate Sunday’s home opener were special guests – Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith, rap artist Dorrough and gospel artist Kirk Franklin.

Oregon State clears the bases for the win

By
Eric Ramos
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EUGENE, OR - November 25: Benny The Beaver during a game between the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers in Eugene, OR. Oregon. Final Score Oregon 69 Oregon State 10. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 news).

Los Angeles, CA – Oregon State second baseman Nick Madrigal fouled pitch after pitch with a full count before he slapped a bases clearing triple to right field for a 7-1 lead in the sixth inning.

That was more than enough for starting pitcher Bryce Fehmel who threw eight solid innings to help No. 2 ranked Oregon State defeat the Trojans 8-1 on Saturday at Dedeaux Field.

In the second game of a three-game series, Fehmel allowed one run on five hits as he confused the Trojan with a variety of pitches.

USC falls to 24-25 overall and 11-12 in Pac-12 play while the Beavers improve to 42-8-1 overall and 18-7-1 in conference.

An RBI-single by Trevor Larnach and a sacrifice fly by Adley Rutschman gave Oregon State a 2-0 lead in the first inning. USC got a run back in the bottom of the first inning on Stephen Dubb’s RBI-single but that’s the only run the Trojans would manage on the day.

Oregon State third baseman Michael Gretler hit a shot over the left field fence for a 2-run home run and a 4-1 lead in the fourth inning.

USC starting pitcher Quentin Longrie lasted four innings before being replaced by freshman lefty John Beller who struck out six but gave up the big triple to Madrigal in the sixth.

The Trojans wrap up the series against Oregon State on Sunday at noon.

 

Indiana Fever can’t keep pace with Washington

By
Jevone Moore
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WNBA 2018: Stephanie Mavunga in the paint during preseason game Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indiana Fever did not keep pace with the visiting Chicago Sky in the WNBA season opener at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

The Sky rookies upstaged the Fever rookies in a 82-64 final. The Sky is now 1-0 to get off on a good foot.

Stephanie Mavunga being right at home in Indiana debut was acceptable for her 11 minutes of play with no points.

“I don’t have to rush everything. I can take my time,” said Mavunga. “Make everything as slow as possible.”

For the Sky their rookie Diamond DeShields, scored 7 of 11 from the field and made all four of her free throws.”

Fever veteran Candice Dupree lead her team with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and Erica Wheeler scored 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

“I think we kind of got lazy on defense,” said Fever guard Erica Wheeler, “We weren’t making shots and that’s what killed us.”

The Fever will have to gel as a time playing four rookies, which is not an easy task.

“We knew we would have a lot to learn in terms of experience, but that wasn’t about experience,” said Fever head coach Pokey Chatman. “You compete at the highest level each possession, regardless.”

The Sky in the second half is where they did their damage to out score the Fever 46-30.

Now it’s no reason to hit the panic button for Chatman because this was only one game, one loss.

“We’ve got to learn from it, improve and get back at it tomorrow.” said Mavunga.

The Fever will have an opportunity to avenge this loss in five days when these teams play a quick rematch back in Indiana.

NCAA Regionals: Garcia shuts out Sacramento State, UCLA wins 3-0

By
Carlos Gonzalez
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2018 NCAA Regional Softball Sacramento State vs UCLA at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – UCLA softball head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez believes the first playoff victory is the biggest to obtain, that proved to be Friday night as the Bruins fended off Sacramento State 3-0 in the first round of the Los Angeles Regional of the Women’s College World Series.

“Sac State, there is a reason they are here. They competed,” said Inouye-Perez. “Their pitcher was effective, they swung their stick with authority and I thought it was a good game.”

The Bruins rallied behind pitcher Rachael Garcia who didn’t allow a hit until the games final inning. Garcia struck out 14 batters and was really able to dominate on the mound by getting ahead in the count on her first pitch.

“It felt great (on getting the victory),” said Garcia. “Especially It being on our home field.”

The Bruin finally broke through on the scoreboard in the fifth inning. Taylor Pack was able to reach base by drawing a walk. A single by Kinsley Washington put Pack in scoring position and senior Kylee Perez did the rest with another single to bring in the games first run.

“We were kind of swinging kind of big in the beginning of the game,” said Perez. “It’s easier said than done to tell us to calm down but by the middle of the game we did calm down.”

Sacramento State made the final inning interesting. With one out, Garcia allowed her first hit, a double to Sydney Rasmussen. Garcia would then strike out the following batter, followed by a pop up.

UCLA moves to 51-4 and will face Cal State Fullerton Saturday 2:00pm in round 2 of the LA Regionals.

The second-seeded Bobcats (42-15) play Sacramento State (31-19) in an elimination game Saturday at 4:30pm

The winner plays the loser of the UCLA-Cal State Fullerton game at 7:00pm

UCLA wraps up regular season with 2-1 win over ASU

By
Carlos Gonzalez
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NCAA Softball 2018: ASU vs UCLA live action at Easton Stadium Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Los Angeles, CA – UCLA Senior Madeline Jenecki had both of the Bruins RBI’s Saturday afternoon to lead UCLA to a 2-1 victory over Arizona State.

In the 9th inning Jenecki let it rip on the first pitch of her at-bat for a walk-off home run.

“Their pitcher, just hats off to her,” said Jenecki. “I think that was the best thing that could’ve happen before post-season. Is getting to see a pitcher with that caliber of pitches.”

UCLA never trailed. The Bruins took the lead in the 4th inning. UCLA’s Briana Perez reached base with a walk. After a sack fly that moved Perez to 3rd, Jenecki stepped up to the plate and delivered a single to bring Perez home for a 1-0.

Freshman Holly Azevedo got the starting nod for the last game of the series and was impressive the entire afternoon. Azevedo pitched 5 2/3 innings striking out 7 batters, allowing 1 run.

Freshman Rachael Garcia finished off the game for the Bruins. Garcia struck out 3 in 3 1/3 innings.

The Bruins head into the Post-season ranked #1 and will hold regionals at home.

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