In another chapter in the fiercest rivalry in softball, the 3rd ranked UCLA Bruins knotched another win under its belt to earn themselves another bid to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.

The recently turned one-sided series saw the Bruins win their eight straight series against their long-time arch nemesis, as Mike Candrea’s Wildcat squad is left looking for answers to questions long been asked once again as they fail in their second straight Super Regional.

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Alyssa Palomino’s two-run first inning home run put the Wildcats ahead early, but the opening frame bomb was the only offense Arizona could muster in throughout the entire second game, as the Arizona bats went cold for after the first inning outburst.

The Bruins came back and had RBI singles in back to back to back innings to put the Bruins up for good 3-2 in the third inning. 

Arizona couldn’t handle UCLA’s star freshman Rachel Garcia’s pitching the entire weekend, as she she continued her dominant weekend as the homer to Palomino was the only earned runs she earned during the series, as she pitched an immaculate complete game with 10 strikeouts, clinching a spot in Oklahoma City for her Bruins team.

Arizona couldn’t take advantage of multiple runners in scoring positions throughout the seven inning affair, as the Wildcats couldn’t muster enough hits in a row to be able to grab the lead against the third ranked team in he nation. 

Taylor McQuillin’s valiant effort fell short for the Wildcats as the sophomore’s effort to keep the ‘Cats in the game fell short, but her performance was a great preview into next year as the sophomore class that Mike Candrea has put together has potential to be in this same position next year, but in the winning position, as this experience will pay incredible dividends in experience going forward.

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Follow David Skinner on Twitter @davidwskinner_