# #

Wisz, Bruins Have Grand Time in Regional Opener

by uclabruins.com
May 20, 2022
Delanie Wisz (Photo: Marie Goldfarb)

LOS ANGELES – Delanie Wisz went 3-for-3 with a grand slam and knocked in a career-high six runs as the No. 5-seed UCLA softball team earned a 12-1 mercy-rule victory against Grand Canyon University Friday, the first day of NCAA Regional play at Easton Stadium.

Holly Azevedo surrendered the lone GCU run on just three hits in her complete-game effort. She moved to 18-2. The Bruins collected five runs in the second inning, four in the third and three in the fourth. Nine UCLA players reached based on seven hits and 10 walks.

Starter Ariel Thompson (20-6) took the loss for the Lopes (39-15), who got on the board in what proved to be the game's final inning.

With the win, UCLA advanced to face Loyola Marymount Saturday. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. PT on the ESPN Family of Networks. The Lions defeated Ole Miss by a 4-2 score in the day's first game. GCU will meet the Rebels at 4:30 p.m. PT on the ESPN Family of Networks.

Azevedo and the infield put together a 1-2-3 top half of the first inning with a pair of groundouts and a lineout. Three consecutive Bruins reached base in their first at bats, but were unable to come around. Briana Perez was cut down at third base on a Wisz single through the right side of the infield.

Azevedo again made quick work of the Lopes in the second. UCLA loaded the bases by way of walks in the bottom half and Kinsley Washington got the first run across with a sacrifice fly. Then, with the bases still loaded, Wisz drove her first pitch from Thompson over the right field wall for a 5-0 lead. Six Bruins in all reached and Thompson was ultimately driven from the game.

GCU's first two baserunners reached in the third, but they were stranded by Azevedo. UCLA then loaded the bases with three two-out walks and Briana Perez knocked two runs across with a line drive to the left-center gap. Wisz followed by singling up the middle, bringing home a couple more to make it 9-0.

The Lopes went down in order to start the fourth and the Bruins immediately picked up where they left off offensively. Maya Brady's leadoff double was cashed in by Alyssa Garcia, who posted a two-bagger of her own. Pinch hitter Thessa Malau'ulu kept the trend going, taking a Ryan Denhart pitch down the right-field line before pulling into second. The Bruins would add one more, bringing the score to 12-0.

GCU ended UCLA's hopes of a shutout in the fifth, when Macee Barnes drove in Stephanie Reed with a two-out double. Azevedo induced a groundout from the next batter, though, completing the victory.

Related News & Videos