The Bruins won the series, but in going for the series sweep, they took a mercy-rule defeat for the first time since 2017. No. 3 UCLA softball (39-6, 15-3 Pac-12) shut out Utah (24-24, 6-12) by scores of 1-0 and 2-0 in the series’ first two matchups Friday and Saturday, respectively. Read more...

Photo: Redshirt senior infielder Briana Perez walks to the dugout as Utah celebrates its mercy-rule victory Sunday. Perez and No. 3 UCLA softball claimed the first two games of the series but couldn’t complete the sweep, losing via mercy rule for the first time in five years. (Joseph Jimenez/Daily Bruin)

Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez said the Bruins will need to bring their A-game if they are to win their upcoming series – the difference in standings and all. Read more...

Photo: Redshirt senior infielder Kinsley Washington waits in the batter’s box during a game. Washington and No. 3 UCLA softball will begin a three-game series against Utah on Friday. (Patrick Shao/Daily Bruin)

While the lead didn’t change hands, one thing did differ at the beginning of the game – the starting lineup. With her team making a last-minute pitching change, redshirt junior pitcher/first baseman Megan Faraimo had to quickly prepare to start the game against the Titans. Read more...

Photo: Redshirt junior pitcher/first baseman Megan Faraimo throws a pitch. Faraimo was called up to start No. 3 UCLA softball’s midweek matchup against Cal State Fullerton moments before the game. (Antonio Martinez/Daily Bruin staff)

Despite four straight wins, the Bruins aren’t satisfied with their current form, according to Briana Perez. “We’re not firing on all cylinders right now,” said the redshirt senior infielder. Read more...

Photo: Redshirt senior infielder Briana Perez swings her bat in a game against San Diego on April 19. Perez and No. 3 UCLA softball will take on another midweek opponent in Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday. (Patrick Shao/Daily Bruin)

With two runners on, two outs and trailing by two runs, Delanie Wisz and the Bruins were on their final strike four times in the series opener Friday night. Read more...

Photo: Redshirt senior infielder Delanie Wisz awaits a pitch in the batter’s box in a game. Wisz hit the game-tying two-RBI double in No. 4 UCLA softball’s series opener against Oregon State in Corvallis. (Kaiya Pomeroy-Tso/Daily Bruin senior staff)

The top two Pac-12 pitching staffs will take turns in the circle this weekend. No. 4 UCLA softball (33-5, 10-2 Pac-12) will face off against Oregon State (31-12, 7-8) for a three-game series in Corvallis starting Friday. Read more...

Photo: Redshirt junior pitcher/first baseman Megan Faraimo stands in the pitching circle during a game. Faraimo and No. 4 UCLA softball will take on the Pac-12’s second-best pitching staff in Oregon State in terms of earned run average for a three-game series from Friday to Sunday. (Kaiya Pomeroy-Tso/Daily Bruin senior staff)

Briana Perez set the tone early for the Bruins. The redshirt senior infielder reached base to begin the bottom of the first, stole second on a swinging strike from redshirt senior infielder Kinsley Washington and proceeded to steal third on the throwback from the Torero catcher. Read more...

Photo: Redshirt senior infielder Briana Perez swings her bat in a game against San Diego on Tuesday. Perez scored the first run in No. 4 UCLA softball’s win. (Patrick Shao/Daily Bruin)