Los Angeles, May 25: UCLA softball has been in a fierce competition with Oklahoma for the NCAA single-season team home run record. The top hitters from both teams, UCLA senior utility Megan Grant and Oklahoma freshman catcher Kendall Wells, have also been vying for the individual single-season home run title.
In April, Oklahoma set a new NCAA record with 162 home runs when Wells hit her 35th career home run against Georgia. This achievement made Wells the all-time single-season home run leader for Oklahoma.
At that time, UCLA trailed by just four home runs with a total of 158. However, the Bruins quickly surpassed the Sooners, leading to an intense battle for both team and individual honors.
The Bruins concluded the super regionals with an NCAA-record 200 home runs, with Grant contributing 40, the highest in NCAA history. Meanwhile, Oklahoma finished with 187 home runs, with Wells tallying 39 for the season.
Oklahoma Excluded from WCWS
The two programs were expected to be top contenders for the national championship at the Women’s College World Series (WCWS). However, for the first time in nine seasons, Oklahoma will not participate in the WCWS. The eight-time national champions were upset by Mississippi State in the super regionals, allowing Mississippi State to make its inaugural WCWS appearance.
In contrast, UCLA swept UCF in the super regionals, securing its NCAA-record 34th WCWS appearance. With the Sooners’ unexpected exit, UCLA solidifies its position as the nation’s leader in home runs.
UCLA is poised to increase its home run count in Oklahoma City. Grant is just one home run shy of breaking former Bruin Stacey Nuveman’s career record of 90 homers.
The only player who could challenge Grant at the WCWS is her teammate, Jordan Woolery, who has hit 34 home runs this season.
Leave a Comment