Maryland Softball Falls to No. 7 UCLA: A Tough Opening Matchup
COLLEGE PARK, MD – In a highly anticipated showdown at Maryland Softball Stadium, the Terps faced a challenging contest against the No. 7 ranked UCLA Bruins. The game ended in a tough 9-0 defeat for Maryland, leaving them with an overall record of 15-16 and 3-5 in Big Ten play as they look ahead to the next match in the series.
Trouble in the Inning: UCLA's Offensive Surge
The Bruins exhibited an impressive offensive display, scoring eight of their nine runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Leading the charge was former All-American Megan Grant, who delivered a powerhouse performance: two hits, including a three-run home run and a bases-clearing double, contributing a staggering six RBIs to her team's tally.
Terps Fight Hard but Come Up Short
Despite the overwhelming pressure from UCLA, the Terps did show flashes of their potential:
Sophomore standout Bailey Murphy shone bright on the field, going 2-for-2 and securing her seventh multi-hit game of the season. Her consistent performance has positioned her as a key player, leading the team with a notable .417 batting average through 31 games.
Sydney Lewis also found success at the plate, contributing a hit that showcased the Terps' effort to fight back against a formidable foe.
Pitching Breakdown: A Try but Tough Task
Julia Shearer started in the circle for Maryland, pitching 3.2 innings before her teammates Aubrey Wurst and Keria Bucher entered in relief. Each played their part, but facing UCLA's stellar roster, including Kaitlyn Terry, the reigning Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, proved challenging. Terry improved her record to 13-3, marking her sixth complete game and third shutout of the season.
Breaking Down the Action
First Blood to UCLA: The Bruins scooted ahead in the second inning with an early run, but the Terps managed to escape a bases-loaded jam thanks to a critical double play executed by Sammi Woods.
Fourth-Inning Explosion: A combination of timely hitting propelled UCLA to a 6-0 lead, highlighted by an RBI single followed by a three-run home run that rocked the Terp defense.
Fifth-Inning Dominance: UCLA didn't let up, loading the bases once more and clearing them with a crushing RBI double that cemented their advantage at 9-0.
What’s Next for the Terps?
As the Terps reflect on the lessons learned in this tough outing, they will prepare for game two of their series against the highly-ranked UCLA Bruins. Mark your calendars for March 29 at 2 PM, when the Terps aim to bounce back and show their resilience. This game will be streamed on Big Ten Plus, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment of the action.
In this performance, while the scoreboard may not reflect the fight and spirit displayed by the Terps, this season is far from over. Stay tuned for updates as they continue their journey through the season!
