What’s Next?

UCLA’s softball team has always been seen as one of the past for at least the past 10 years. The last time they won an NCAA softball tournament was in 2019.

This year UCLA entered the NCAA Tournament with a ton of expectations once again, hoping to make another trip to the Women’s College World Series. Their regular season was rewarded by being given the No. 2 overall national seed and the chance to host the Los Angeles Regional. But now, their season is over after crashing out in just two games.

The game against Grand Canyon was a shocking loss, losing a one-run game, 3-2. Liberty was the opponent in the next game and another close contest. UCLA’s first batter hit a home run but the offense was nonexistent for the rest of the game.

A massive upset for Liberty, pulling off the 2-1 upset at Easton Stadium. A truly incredible way for college softball’s postseason to get started.

This game against Liberty marked a seventh loss of the season for UCLA but three of those came in a row. A Pac-12 Championship game loss came against Utah. Despite winning the regular season championship, the Bruins could not get the job done in Tucson.

Unfortunately, the same fate followed them into the NCAA Tournament. Liberty did pull off a great upset but is still on the verge of elimination in its own right. Taking down UCLA is an incredible accomplishment.

UCLA cleaned up with the Pac-12 postseason honors, bringing home the Player, Pitcher, Freshman, and Coach of the Year awards.

Courtesy: Instagram @mayabrady_

Maya Brady won the Player of the Year after hitting .458 with 18 home runs and driving in 59 RBI to lead the Bruins. Maya earned some high praise from her famous uncle, Tom Brady.

Courtesy: Instagram @8megank

Megan Faraimo brought home the Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year award after dominating during the regular season. She amassed a 29-2 record in the circle while striking out 226 hitters with a 1.33 ERA. Faraimo started the game against GCU and struggled, allowing the three-run home run in addition to three walks and six strikeouts in 3.1 innings.

Courtesy: Instagram @jordanwooleryy

Jordan Woolery won the Freshman of the Year after she hit .399 with 10 home runs and 46 RBI, and Kelly Inouye-Perez won the Pac-12 Coach of the Year award for the third time in her career and the second time in three seasons.

Even though UCLA has achieved all the world's success with their players and even coaches, the awards tell you it all, but the question arises if this is all they get? What will they have to do next in order to win another championship?

Edited by:Katie LeLasher