UCLA rally stuns Virginia Tech softball in the NCAA Tournament

When the NCAA announced the pairings for the softball tournament, Virginia Tech knew right away they got a tough draw heading out to California to play in the Los Angeles Regional against UCLA. The Bruins were the No. 6 overall seed and have been one of the better programs in the country. The Hokies found out just how tough the Bruins are Saturday afternoon in the winner's bracket.

After Virginia Tech beat San Diego State, 5-1, Friday night in the regional opener and UCLA beat Grand Canyon, 9-0, the two battled and the Hokies went toe-to-toe with the Bruins, but just didn't have enough in the end. After jumping out to an early 4-0 lead and grabbing a 6-5 lead in the top of the seventh, UCLA rallied with two runs in the bottom of the seventh for a win to advance to the Regional final Sunday.

Things started out well for the Hokies in the top of the first when Cori McMillan hit a three-run home run, then in the second, they added another run on an Addy Greene RBI single. UCLA cut the deficit to 4-2 in the bottom of the third, then took a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the fourth with a three-run inning.

Greene tied the game in the top of the fifth with a solo home run and regained the lead in the top of the seventh. Greene and Cameron Fagan singled and McMillan was walked to load the bases with two outs. Teagan Thrunk followed with an RBI single that scored Greene and Fagan, who was tagged out but the run counted because of catchers interference. Or so the Hokies thought as the play went to Pittsburgh for a review and she was ruled out for going out of the baseline.

That call turned out huge as the Bruins used a leadoff walk, double, and single to walk it off and remain the only undefeated team in the Regional. Virginia Tech will play the loser of the second game Saturday between Gran Canyon and San Diego State late Saturday night with the winner needing to beat the Bruins twice Sunday to advance to the Super Regionals.