Softball prevails in back-and-forth play to win 3-2 against Titans
Junior shortstop Delaney Spaulding had a big day Saturday. The junior notched two solo home runs to push UCLA over Cal State Fullerton 3-2. The Bruins will now advance to the Los Angeles regional title game Sunday. (Ken Shin/Daily Bruin)
By Louie Greenwald
May 21, 2016 3:04 p.m.
UCLA and Cal State Fullerton scored a combined 13 runs Friday but Saturday, it was low-scoring affair.
The No. 12 Bruins and Titans exchanged blows throughout the afternoon, but UCLA ultimately prevailed, winning 3-2.
The Bruins jumped out to an early lead when Titans pitcher Sydney Golden surrendered a solo home run to sophomore second baseman Kylee Perez in the top of the first.
Fullerton responded in the bottom of the second, tying the game with an RBI single by center fielder Courtney Rodriguez.
The game wouldn’t remain tied for long as junior shortstop Delaney Spaulding would crush a solo shot to right, in the top of the fourth inning, to give the Bruins a one-run lead.
Sophomore pitcher Selina Ta’amilo ran into trouble in the bottom of the fifth, however. With a runner on second, Titans Missy Taukeiaho hit a hard grounder into left that junior outfielder Gabrielle Maurice mishandled, allowing a run and tying the game at 2-2.
It was Spaulding’s day though. UCLA’s leading home run hitter slugged her second solo shot to give the Bruins the lead in the top of the sixth.
Redshirt junior pitcher Paige McDuffee came in to relieve Ta’amilo in the circle and help lock down the 3-2 victory.
UCLA will play Sunday in the Los Angeles regional title game with an opportunity to advance to a super regional.
