COLUMBIA, S.C. — Trailing by three runs in their final at-bat, the UCLA Bruins mounted a thrilling rally capped by Jordan Woolery’s walk-off two-run homer to stun host South Carolina 5-4 on Saturday afternoon at Carolina Softball Stadium.
The win forces a decisive Game 3 in the NCAA Super Regionals, with a trip to the Women’s College World Series on the line.
Down 4-1 entering the bottom of the seventh, No. 9 seed UCLA (53-11) pieced together its largest final-inning comeback in postseason history. Woolery’s blast, her 23rd homer ofthe season, was UCLA’s first walk-off home run in the NCAA Tournament since Rachel Garcia’s iconic shot in the 2019 WCWS.
“I’ve been coaching a long time, and I love those moments when our backs are against the wall,” said head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. “We always say, ‘Just give us one pitch.’ Tonight, we made the most of it.”
Seventh-Inning Surge:
It all began with a pinch-hit walk from Taylor Stephens, who entered the game with just four at-bats all season. After a strikeout, Kaitlyn Terry delivered a clutch RBI triple on the first pitch she saw, taking advantage of a defensive misread in the outfield. Stephens scored easily, and the Bruins cut the deficit to 4-2.
Jessica Clements struck out looking, bringing UCLA to its final out. But senior Savannah Pola kept the Bruins alive with a sharp RBI single up the middle, making it 4-3.
South Carolina head coach Ashley Chastain-Woodard responded by bringing starter Sam Gress back into the circle to face Woolery, who had been hitless with four strikeouts in the series.
But with ice in her veins, Woolery turned on Gress’s first pitch and launched a no-doubt home run over the left-field fence — completing the comeback and sending the Bruins pouring out of the dugout in celebration.
“I just kept telling myself to trust in God and my team,” said Woolery. “It’s been a tough few days, but I knew my time would come. I just wanted to come through for my teammates.”
Tinsley Holds the Line:
Starter Taylor Tinsley went the distance for UCLA, tossing 7.0 innings while allowing two earned runs and striking out seven. She pitched a critical scoreless seventh after allowing two base runners and hitting a career-high four batters in the game.
Turning Point Miscue for Gamecocks:
South Carolina (44-16) took a commanding 4-1 lead in the sixth but blew a chance to extend it further. With the bases loaded and one out, Karley Shelton hit into a fielder’s choice and, thinking the inning was over, walked off the field — only to be called out for abandoning the base, ending the inning and killing the rally.
Bruin Highlights:
Megan Grant led UCLA with a 2-for-3 day at the plate.
Sofia Mujica got the Bruins on the board with a solo homer in the fifth, snapping four shutout innings.
What’s Next:
UCLA and South Carolina will square off in a winner-take-all Game 3 on Sunday at 12 p.m. PT, airing live on ESPN2. The winner advances to Oklahoma City for the Women’s College World Series.
