UCLA Bruins utility Megan Grant (43) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run tying the game in the seventh inning against the Tennessee Lady Volunteers during the NCAA Softball Women's College World Series at Devon Park. Brett Rojo-Imagn Images

UCLA softball gets home run on controversial play at plate

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 7:53 PM ET

The UCLA Bruins softball team received a nice break from the umpires during their elimination game against the Tennessee Lady Vols at the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City on Sunday.

The Bruins were down, 4-2, in the top of the seventh and were down to their final out. They got a single to bring up Megan Grant, who ripped a pitch well over the wall in right-center field. Grant appeared to have tied the game with her big blast, but Tennessee noticed that she failed to touch home plate when she crossed it.

The Lady Vols requested a review, and the umpires reviewed the play. The umpires indicated that Grant had missed the plate and been assisted by a teammate before touching the plate — both of which would have negated the home run. However, the umps realized that the play was not reviewable, which allowed the two-run home run call to stand.

"The runner did miss home plate, it was assisted. However, that play is not reviewable."

UCLA tied the game with this home run in the seventh inning. Tennessee challenged the play and the ruling was ultimately upheld after review. pic.twitter.com/8HzgMhUQ76
— ESPN (@espn) June 1, 2025

That home run tied the game at four with two outs in the seventh, and the game went to extra innings. Tennessee eventually won the game, 5-4, to advance to face Texas in the semifinals.

UCLA, which came into the Women’s College World Series as the No. 9 seed, was sent home. That was Grant’s first hit of the WCWS.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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