Stanford beats UCLA to advance to Women’s College World Series semifinals

The UCLA softball team’s run at the 2024 Women’s College World Championship, which placed sixth, came to an end Sunday, along with the career of Bruins star shortstop Maya Brady.

Despite a few hours of weather delaying the start of Sunday’s consolation round in Oklahoma City, the Pac-12 softball final ended with a 3-1 victory for No. 8 Stanford University at Devon Park on Sunday night, marking the last “Pac-12 night game” in softball history.

The Bruins struggled early against Stanford pitching phenom Nijali Canady, who UCLA right fielder Megan Grant blasted a solo home run over the left field fence in the top of the second inning, but that was the only run Canady allowed for the Bruins, as the 2024 All-American got stronger and sharper throughout the night.

Taryn Kahn tied the game at 1-1 in the third inning with a double over the left-center field wall, and then the Cardinal’s leadoff hitter scored herself two at-bats later when first baseman Ava Gall singled to right field.

Stanford added another run on a sacrifice fly by bench player Allie Clements in the bottom of the fifth. UCLA came back with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but Canady denied the Bruins the chance, getting Ramsey Suarez to ground out to end the game.