College News: #1 UCLA Suffers First Loss of the Season, Falls to #3 Texas in 8 Innings

It was inevitable that UCLA would lose at some point, especially with close calls against Florida State (down to the last out two weeks ago against Florida State, but pulling out the win in Clearwater) and two 8-inning victories against Florida and Wisconsin last Saturday at Mary Nutter.

UCLA’s ability to climb back from deficits with an offensive that can explode at any time has saved the top-ranked team previously, but Thursday night the Bruins (15-1) couldn’t make one final comeback after twice trailing to #3 ranked Texas.

Texas (15-2), which will face #2 Washington today at the Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton, was able to steal the win at Easton Stadium, UCLA’s home field, behind the long-ball and steady pitching of Miranda Elish to carry the Longhorns to a 6-4 victory.

Mary Iakopo and Lauren Burke went yard in the top of the 8^th inning with solo home runs after Taylor Ellsworth hit a two-run home run in the 4^th inning to put Texas up 4-2.

No. 1 goes down and them Horns go up! 🤘🏾

No. 3 @TexasSoftball beats No. 1 ICLA 6-4 in 8 innings.

pic.twitter.com/kj7JVMvayq

— Longhorn Network (@LonghornNetwork) February 28, 2020

UCLA tied the game 4-4 in the bottom of the 5^th inning on a two-run home run by Aaliyah Jordan, who also made a great catch in the top of the 7^th to keep the score tied and push it to the extra frame.

She hits home runs. She takes away doubles.

AALIYAH. JORDAN!#SCTop10

4-all, B6.

Garcia, Rodriguez and Curo coming up.

Watch: https://t.co/Fjnw9cb2KB#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/lwYq8LZI10

— UCLA Softball (@UCLASoftball) February 28, 2020

Miranda Elish scattered four hits across the eight innings to run her record to 8-2. She had seven strikeouts, but most importantly shutdown the powerful Bruin offense which recently had been effectively in providing late-game heroics.

Elish also went 2-for-4 and scored twice.

UCLA’s Megan Faraimo suffered her first loss of the season (9-1) and struck out seven in eight innings, giving up 10 hits and no walks.

The loss ended UCLA’s 23-game winning streak going back to last year’s National Championship season. The Bruins travel south this weekend to compete in the San Diego classic with its first game later Friday against Mount St. Mary’s.

Texas doesn’t have long to enjoy the big win: today’s game against the Huskies begins at 3:45 pm local time (PST) with Saturday games against Fresno State and Michigan and one on Sunday versus Boise State.

Still, there was some good Hook’em celebrating going on Friday evening…

Here's the celly compilation you didn't know you needed.

Have a good night 🌙🤘#OneTeamOneTexas | #HookEm pic.twitter.com/ITQSgiudwg

— Texas Softball (@TexasSoftball) February 28, 2020