UCLA players describe the feeling of playing in final game between Pac-12 teams

The UCLA Bruins and the Stanford Cardinal played one another in the Women’s College World Series for an elimination game. That, in turn, made it the last game played between two Pac-12 teams.

Following the game, several UCLA players shared their thoughts and feelings on playing in that final Pac-12 softball game. That started with star Maya Brady sharing that it was an opportunity for them to make their mark in a historic game.

“I think it’s truly a great opportunity just to go down as part of the last game,” Maya Brady said. “They’re a tough opponent, they’re a great team. I think it was a battle all year facing them three times. Obviously, was a battle tonight. Obviously, it’s super sad because in the Pac, we’re very proud of our conference, the Conference of Champions. Obviously to go up against your fellow Pac-12 team in the World Series, obviously one of us had to go home, but yeah.”

For her part, pitcher Taylor Tinsley smiled and agreed with what Maya Brady said. It was a sad game in a sense, both because of the demise of the Pac-12 and the simple fact that UCLA lost.

UCLA lost to Stanford 3-1 to be eliminated from the Women’s College World Series. That came a game after the Bruins lost to Oklahoma 1-0. It was part of a power outage that ended up costing UCLA in the postseason.

Now, UCLA is getting ready to move to the Big Ten. Stanford will be heading to the ACC. In both cases, there are reasons to be excited about the future while at the same time lamenting how things came to an end.

“I would say it was a bittersweet feeling,” Megan Grant concluded.

Maya Brady on her UCLA career

The end of UCLA’s run in the Women’s College World Series was also the end of Maya Brady’s career, which she reflected upon following the game.

“Yeah, it’s been — I don’t even know. Just a dream. I mean, this was my dream. I feel like as a little girl you always look at the program, the coaching staff, the players. You think that they’re untouchable. Just to get the opportunity to wear this jersey, get my degree, be close to my family. My family at every game has just been perfect. I knew that’s why I was coming to UCLA anyway. But it surpassed my expectations,” Brady said.

“We never got to win, but trust me, I’m winning in life. You graduate from UCLA, got my master’s, and I feel like just so blessed. I can’t even put it into words. Truly it’s been a dream, so yeah.”