A shutout win may be the perfect conclusion to a series sweep.

And No. 9 UCLA softball (33-5, 13-2 Big Ten) did just that, defeating Indiana (27-10, 7-5) 4-0 on Sunday at Easton Stadium, completing the conference homestand sweep.

“Game one, we go for it, and day two, we adjust,” said coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. “We had a different game plan yesterday, and then day three is guts. It’s whatever it takes to win. They made some errors, but I credit them for finding a way to continue to fight.”

The affair was a defensive battle, as the score stayed knotted 0-0 until the bottom of the fourth inning.

Redshirt freshman infielder Aleena Garcia reached on an error, and redshirt junior catcher Alexis Ramirez reached base on a fielder’s choice to put together some offense, though.

Redshirt junior designated player/infielder Ramsey Suarez came in as a pinch hitter, smashing her sixth career double on the first pitch she saw, getting the Bruins on the board.

“It’s no pressure, because I have my teammates’ back, and they have my back,” Suarez said. “I go up there and do my job and do the best I can for my team. To give back to them and to help them out was really special.”

Two batters later, sophomore outfielder Rylee Slimp reached on a throwing error to bring two more runners home, ending the fourth inning with a 3-0 UCLA lead.

But the Bruins had been knocking the innings leading up to Suarez’s RBI double.

Slimp posted a single during the first inning, sliding to take second base after a hit from senior utility Megan Grant. Slimp’s third-inning double was also followed by Grant reaching on a fielding error and senior infielder Jordan Woolery’s walk.

With bases loaded and two outs, sophomore infielder Kaniya Bragg hit a line drive to Indiana third baseman Madalyn Strader, ending the inning with three runners left on base and exemplifying the Hoosiers’ formidable defense.

The Hoosiers’ stalwart fielding made it difficult for the Bruins to take an early lead, although the latter made it equally as challenging for the Hoosiers to get on base.

“They are trusting the process,” Inouye-Perez said. “Game day is an opportunity. They’re prepared, and we may not get the outcome, but they continue to make adjustments throughout the game.”

Senior pitcher Taylor Tinsley struck out two batters, walked two and gave up just three hits through a complete game performance.

And sophomore utility Mia Phillips covered left field, collecting two key catches in the top of the fifth – diving to snag the first, and dashing over to between second and third base to claim the second.

“We take everything and use it to gain momentum,” Phillips said. “Every little play helps our team get more energy. We do a really good job, as well as just having each other’s backs, being there for each other.”

UCLA turned a double play to end the top of the fourth inning and caught three hits that soared to center field to conclude the third contest of the series.

Once up 3-0, the Bruins began to find their stride at the plate.

Ramirez kicked off the sixth inning with a home run over the left field wall, bringing the score up to 4-0.

Suarez said the team culture helped spearhead the series sweep.

“We love each and every one of each other,” Suarez said. “That bleeds into our at-bats, our defense, our pitching, everything. The way that we support each other and love each other so much makes us want to do well for each other.”

The game, which was Kid’s Day, involved a young fan announcer and youth softball players grabbing the bats for the Bruins.

Friday night also celebrated the youth in the community, welcoming young athletes.

“It feels amazing being able to inspire these young athletes because I was in the same position that they were,” Phillips said. “So it’s nice to be able to go out there, have fun and show them what it’s all about.”

UCLA will continue its 2026 campaign Tuesday at Anderson Family Field against Cal State Fullerton.