.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
Postgame Quotes - Tennessee 5, UCLA 4
Tennessee 5, UCLA 4 (9 inn.)
June 1, 2025
Devon Park (Oklahoma City, OK)
Women’s College World Series
Kelly Inouye-Perez, The Shelly Carlin UCLA Head Softball Coach
opening statement
“First and foremost, I want to congratulate Tennessee. Just a great battle to the end, wish them the best of luck moving forward. For us though, I could not be more proud, period. The ability for us to be able to fight, the ability for us to come back, just down to the last pitch. There’s something about what UCLA softball can do with your backs against the wall, and just rising to the occasion to create some amazing memories. The experience game for my younger Bruins, for the Bruins who have been here before and who just showed who they are on the biggest stage, is something that I’m proud of, and I’m really excited for the future.”
on Megan’s home run to right field, followed by the review at home plate
“First of all, the ability to come together and say that we have the opportunity to win this game is something that we call Bruin Magic. It came together with the energy in the dugout, those kind of moments are things we live for at UCLA. The delay is something that I’ve never experienced, and what potentially could have happened, my mind was spinning too on how this would be devastating to have that happen. So, it was a long one, that’s it. I just told everyone to hang tight and got clarity on a few things with what actually happened because I didn’t see it at the end of the day. How long was it? Fourteen (minute review)? That’s rough for that to have to happen, but bottom line, she hit the two-run home run and tied up the game, so I’ll remember that forever.”
on senior Savannah Pola’s final season
“Those are the types of things (are) why I love to coach. It’s just difficult being a student athlete, especially when you play well. She had such a great freshman year, and then everyone kept on saying–when she wasn’t as successful–what happened to Savvy Pola? I told her that’s the biggest compliment you can get, the standard is so high that they think something’s wrong. It’s just the game at the end of the day; she wasn’t 100 percent, but it’s the game. The ability for her to finish out her senior year the way she did is, to me, what’s going to propel her into life. Through the hard, through injuries, through all the noise of everyone saying “what’s wrong with you?”. She actually went to work and she got really locked in to do whatever she could to help her team. Those are the things that make me proud, now she’ll forever remember that there’s nothing that’s too hard. This game can beat you up and actually make you doubt yourself on your ability to play softball, but for Savi Pola, she can leave (with her) shoulders back and chin up that she overcame it. She shined, she came through big time, and a big part of why we’re here is because of Savi Pola. I couldn’t be more proud, she’s a great Bruin, she’s going to continue her education at UCLA, and get into the master’s program because she’s trying to figure out if she can continue to give back to this sport in some capacity at the collegiate level. So, we’re excited to have her around and her experience.”
on leaving runners on base today and yesterday
“With all due respect, I love that we were in that situation. We’re facing some of the best arms in the game. In last night’s game, NiJa’s (Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady) real. We hit her well, and we hit Karlyn Pickens well, we hit them well. It’s the game, I wish they could all just be perfect and we could’ve scored 20 runs, but it’s not that easy to do. To get runners in scoring position is the name of the game. Quality at-bats put you in that position and everybody wants to come through in those big moments, but what we did against the arms, the teams, the brands, we just played the game. Unfortunately, sometimes you come through and sometimes you don’t; that doesn’t define you in that moment. This team came back and they fought again today against another great opponent. I told them, “You’re going to be remembered for your fight.” Nobody wants to play this team. To be able to get that outcome because we have the ability to score and to be able to come back and do some pretty crazy things at the end of the ballgame. That, to me, is what makes me so proud. To even have that comment as far as LOB’s, because those pitchers averaged double-digit strikeouts, and you didn’t see that. That’s a credit to the preparation in the athletes and their commitment to be able to do whatever it takes to win. With that, the sport is the sport, it’s kind of crazy. But I’m really proud of their ability to do everything that they did.”
on the team locking back in after the review at home plate
“Our sport has changed. This review stuff, and even (in) game one, the feeling of what we were doing on the field, and having it go to review, the sport has just changed. What’s happening and what’s going on, we wanted to get the plays right. That was the whole intention of instant review. We didn’t want it to be put on the umpire, who has human error, that they could do things. Then, we saw the flipside where they didn’t get the call right. We’re constantly trying to elevate the sport and do what’s right for the sport, so we implemented the instant review, and it’s part of the game now. ESPN, I know, doesn’t like it, especially those long delays, and a big part of why we’re so big right now is because of ESPN, so I appreciate the ability – and the girls work so hard – to try and get everything right. The delays are part of it, and the goal is to be able to make sure that they don’t leave any stone unturned, but they have the ability to take 14 (or) 15 minutes to try and figure out what the actual call is, so it’s kind of just a part of the game now.”
on Taylor Tinsley holding Tennessee for three innings
“I think one of my favorite moments actually (was) when she went in, I don’t have it exact, but there was a moment where I intentionally walked a hitter, and the girls all called a timeout and circled around her. That’s a clue that you saw right here, that they were together because it was a big moment. Yes, they’re a very powerful team, and we got ourselves out of that inning, which was so huge. Those are the things where you say the experience gained kind of lights a fire. It lights a fire in your ability to want to come back and have a different outcome. The fact that they came together and found out a way to get out of that. Those momentum shifts and opportunities are why you want to come out and play on this stage. I’m proud, KT (Kaitlyn Terry) actually competed, she might have missed on a pitch, but she competed. And I loved how she came out and competed today, and the fact that Taylor came in and had her back is a big part of what you saw from those two last year as well. The future is exciting because they’re both very young.”
UCLA infielder Megan Grant
on her home run
“You know, it was just kind of a blackout moment. I know going into that at-bat, I just wanted to keep my mind right and stay aggressive. Honestly, after the swing, I did blackout indeed, and after the fact, I kind of just trusted God with everything. The tensions were high, and that’s just where I laid my pressure on.”
on most of the team returning next season
“We have a pretty young team and everything, so I was just grateful that they got the chance to experience the stage. I was really happy to just see them do well. I think it’s just great motivation going into next year, and I just can’t wait.”
on their accomplishments as a pairing (with Jordan Woolery)
“I always say I have the best seat in the house with Jo, being behind her. She makes my job easy, she doesn’t really know it though. Just us together makes the challenges and obstacles that we go through easier. So, just having her by my side is one of the most important things when I’m playing, so I just, I love you (Jordan).”
UCLA infielder Jordan Woolery
on most of the team returning next season
“Yeah, I agree (with Grant’s statement), I think experience is the greatest lesson we can learn. Especially the freshman being on such a big stage and, like Meg said, thriving. I think it speaks volumes to how amazing they are and how bright our future is to come next year too.”
on their accomplishments as a pairing (with Megan Grant)
“I’m really sad we didn’t get to 50 (home runs as a pair), but Meg’s just awesome. I think she makes it easy for me to be great, and especially in the game today, just knowing it wasn’t all on me to get the job done with two outs. I feel like if you have Megan behind you, it’s easy to feel a lot less pressure, so just getting on and letting Meg do the rest. As soon as she hit the ball, I just started crying, because it was such a good moment and such a combination of the whole year in one moment. So, it was really awesome to see, and we’ll be back, 50’s coming.”
on her four hits against Tennessee starting pitcher Karlyn Pickens
“Just fighting for another day. I really wanted to play for the seniors today, doing whatever I could to get the job done. I think we had a really good game plan going in. Coach Lisa (Fernandez), Will (Oldham), and Bubba (Nickles-Camarena) did a great job preparing us, and I think hitting velo yesterday made us ready for the moment today.”
June 1, 2025
Devon Park (Oklahoma City, OK)
Women’s College World Series
Kelly Inouye-Perez, The Shelly Carlin UCLA Head Softball Coach
opening statement
“First and foremost, I want to congratulate Tennessee. Just a great battle to the end, wish them the best of luck moving forward. For us though, I could not be more proud, period. The ability for us to be able to fight, the ability for us to come back, just down to the last pitch. There’s something about what UCLA softball can do with your backs against the wall, and just rising to the occasion to create some amazing memories. The experience game for my younger Bruins, for the Bruins who have been here before and who just showed who they are on the biggest stage, is something that I’m proud of, and I’m really excited for the future.”
on Megan’s home run to right field, followed by the review at home plate
“First of all, the ability to come together and say that we have the opportunity to win this game is something that we call Bruin Magic. It came together with the energy in the dugout, those kind of moments are things we live for at UCLA. The delay is something that I’ve never experienced, and what potentially could have happened, my mind was spinning too on how this would be devastating to have that happen. So, it was a long one, that’s it. I just told everyone to hang tight and got clarity on a few things with what actually happened because I didn’t see it at the end of the day. How long was it? Fourteen (minute review)? That’s rough for that to have to happen, but bottom line, she hit the two-run home run and tied up the game, so I’ll remember that forever.”
on senior Savannah Pola’s final season
“Those are the types of things (are) why I love to coach. It’s just difficult being a student athlete, especially when you play well. She had such a great freshman year, and then everyone kept on saying–when she wasn’t as successful–what happened to Savvy Pola? I told her that’s the biggest compliment you can get, the standard is so high that they think something’s wrong. It’s just the game at the end of the day; she wasn’t 100 percent, but it’s the game. The ability for her to finish out her senior year the way she did is, to me, what’s going to propel her into life. Through the hard, through injuries, through all the noise of everyone saying “what’s wrong with you?”. She actually went to work and she got really locked in to do whatever she could to help her team. Those are the things that make me proud, now she’ll forever remember that there’s nothing that’s too hard. This game can beat you up and actually make you doubt yourself on your ability to play softball, but for Savi Pola, she can leave (with her) shoulders back and chin up that she overcame it. She shined, she came through big time, and a big part of why we’re here is because of Savi Pola. I couldn’t be more proud, she’s a great Bruin, she’s going to continue her education at UCLA, and get into the master’s program because she’s trying to figure out if she can continue to give back to this sport in some capacity at the collegiate level. So, we’re excited to have her around and her experience.”
on leaving runners on base today and yesterday
“With all due respect, I love that we were in that situation. We’re facing some of the best arms in the game. In last night’s game, NiJa’s (Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady) real. We hit her well, and we hit Karlyn Pickens well, we hit them well. It’s the game, I wish they could all just be perfect and we could’ve scored 20 runs, but it’s not that easy to do. To get runners in scoring position is the name of the game. Quality at-bats put you in that position and everybody wants to come through in those big moments, but what we did against the arms, the teams, the brands, we just played the game. Unfortunately, sometimes you come through and sometimes you don’t; that doesn’t define you in that moment. This team came back and they fought again today against another great opponent. I told them, “You’re going to be remembered for your fight.” Nobody wants to play this team. To be able to get that outcome because we have the ability to score and to be able to come back and do some pretty crazy things at the end of the ballgame. That, to me, is what makes me so proud. To even have that comment as far as LOB’s, because those pitchers averaged double-digit strikeouts, and you didn’t see that. That’s a credit to the preparation in the athletes and their commitment to be able to do whatever it takes to win. With that, the sport is the sport, it’s kind of crazy. But I’m really proud of their ability to do everything that they did.”
on the team locking back in after the review at home plate
“Our sport has changed. This review stuff, and even (in) game one, the feeling of what we were doing on the field, and having it go to review, the sport has just changed. What’s happening and what’s going on, we wanted to get the plays right. That was the whole intention of instant review. We didn’t want it to be put on the umpire, who has human error, that they could do things. Then, we saw the flipside where they didn’t get the call right. We’re constantly trying to elevate the sport and do what’s right for the sport, so we implemented the instant review, and it’s part of the game now. ESPN, I know, doesn’t like it, especially those long delays, and a big part of why we’re so big right now is because of ESPN, so I appreciate the ability – and the girls work so hard – to try and get everything right. The delays are part of it, and the goal is to be able to make sure that they don’t leave any stone unturned, but they have the ability to take 14 (or) 15 minutes to try and figure out what the actual call is, so it’s kind of just a part of the game now.”
on Taylor Tinsley holding Tennessee for three innings
“I think one of my favorite moments actually (was) when she went in, I don’t have it exact, but there was a moment where I intentionally walked a hitter, and the girls all called a timeout and circled around her. That’s a clue that you saw right here, that they were together because it was a big moment. Yes, they’re a very powerful team, and we got ourselves out of that inning, which was so huge. Those are the things where you say the experience gained kind of lights a fire. It lights a fire in your ability to want to come back and have a different outcome. The fact that they came together and found out a way to get out of that. Those momentum shifts and opportunities are why you want to come out and play on this stage. I’m proud, KT (Kaitlyn Terry) actually competed, she might have missed on a pitch, but she competed. And I loved how she came out and competed today, and the fact that Taylor came in and had her back is a big part of what you saw from those two last year as well. The future is exciting because they’re both very young.”
UCLA infielder Megan Grant
on her home run
“You know, it was just kind of a blackout moment. I know going into that at-bat, I just wanted to keep my mind right and stay aggressive. Honestly, after the swing, I did blackout indeed, and after the fact, I kind of just trusted God with everything. The tensions were high, and that’s just where I laid my pressure on.”
on most of the team returning next season
“We have a pretty young team and everything, so I was just grateful that they got the chance to experience the stage. I was really happy to just see them do well. I think it’s just great motivation going into next year, and I just can’t wait.”
on their accomplishments as a pairing (with Jordan Woolery)
“I always say I have the best seat in the house with Jo, being behind her. She makes my job easy, she doesn’t really know it though. Just us together makes the challenges and obstacles that we go through easier. So, just having her by my side is one of the most important things when I’m playing, so I just, I love you (Jordan).”
UCLA infielder Jordan Woolery
on most of the team returning next season
“Yeah, I agree (with Grant’s statement), I think experience is the greatest lesson we can learn. Especially the freshman being on such a big stage and, like Meg said, thriving. I think it speaks volumes to how amazing they are and how bright our future is to come next year too.”
on their accomplishments as a pairing (with Megan Grant)
“I’m really sad we didn’t get to 50 (home runs as a pair), but Meg’s just awesome. I think she makes it easy for me to be great, and especially in the game today, just knowing it wasn’t all on me to get the job done with two outs. I feel like if you have Megan behind you, it’s easy to feel a lot less pressure, so just getting on and letting Meg do the rest. As soon as she hit the ball, I just started crying, because it was such a good moment and such a combination of the whole year in one moment. So, it was really awesome to see, and we’ll be back, 50’s coming.”
on her four hits against Tennessee starting pitcher Karlyn Pickens
“Just fighting for another day. I really wanted to play for the seniors today, doing whatever I could to get the job done. I think we had a really good game plan going in. Coach Lisa (Fernandez), Will (Oldham), and Bubba (Nickles-Camarena) did a great job preparing us, and I think hitting velo yesterday made us ready for the moment today.”