UCLA softball has been in a tight race with Oklahoma for the NCAA single-season team home run record. And each of the teams’ top home run hitters, UCLA senior utility Megan Grant and Oklahoma freshman catcher Kendall Wells, have been in a race of their own for the individual single-season home run record.
Back in April, the Sooners broke their own NCAA record with 162 home runs when Wells hit the 35th home run of her career against Georgia. Well’s home run also made her Oklahoma’s all-time, single-season home run leader.
When Oklahoma broke the record, UCLA was just four home runs behind with 158. It didn’t take long for the Bruins to eventually pass the Sooners, and the program’s have been in an individual and team battle ever since.
The Bruins finished the super regionals with an NCAA-record 200 home runs. Grant contributed 40 home runs, which is the most in NCAA history. Meanwhile, Oklahoma finished the super regional with 187, and Wells totaled 39 home runs throughout the season.
Oklahoma Won’t Be At WCWS
The two programs were projected as frontrunners to compete for a national championship at the Women’s College World Series, and the two teams and individuals could finish the battle for the NCAA home run lead in Oklahoma City.
However, for the first time in nine seasons, Oklahoma will not be competing in the WCWS. The eight-time national championship program was upset by Mississippi State in the super regional on Sunday. Mississippi State will be making its first WCWS appearance in program history.
Over in Westwood, UCLA swept UCF in the super regional to advance to its NCAA-record 34th WCWS in program history. The Bruins already held the NCAA lead in team and individual home runs this season but the Sooners’ unexpected elimination seals UCLA as the nation’s leader.
UCLA is expected to add some more home runs to its tally in Oklahoma City. For Grant, she is one home run away from breaking former Bruin Stacey Nuveman’s UCLA career record of 90 homers.
The only other player that could come to catching Grant at the WCWS is her own teammate, Jordan Woolery, who has 34 home runs this season.
Photo Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
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