Softball

CHAMPS! UCSB Secures Six Straight Elimination Game Wins to Clinch Inaugural Big West Softball Championship

No. 3 seed UC Santa Barbara 8, No. 2 seed CSUN 2
Box Score | Interactive Bracket
No. 3 UC Santa Barbara defeated No. 2 CSUN by a score of 8-2 and kept its season alive and forced a Game 11 for the Championship title in Game 10 of the inaugural 2025 Big West Softball Championship from at Anderson Family Field on the campus of Cal State Fullerton. 

The Gauchos got three runs in the first inning, setting the tone early. A pivotal moment came in the fifth inning when UCSB added four more runs, extending their lead. The Matadors managed to plate two runs in the seventh inning, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. UC Santa Barbara's three home runs and two doubles played a crucial role in their offensive success. 

Elicia Acosta sparked UCSB with two home runs and scoring twice and knocking in six RBI for the Gauchos.  


Bella Fuentes also found a home run in the contest and a double, while driving in two runs. Giselle Mejia made an impact by scoring two runs and hitting a double. On the defensive side, Jazzy Santos recorded five assists at second base. In the circle, Malaya Johnson pitched a complete game, allowing no earned runs over seven innings, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. 

Mikayla Carman paced the Matadors with two hits and two RBIs in the lineup's leadoff spot. Lauryn Carranco completed a full game, recording a total of 125 pitches with 71 total strikes. Despite allowing eight hits and eight runs, Carranco managed to strike out three batters and held the opposing hitters to a challenging game. Sydney Freijanes also made an impact defensively with three assists, showcasing her fielding capabilities at second base. 

With the win, UCSB lives to see another day on Championship Saturday in the final elimination game with a winner take all for scenario the first ever Big West Championship trophy in a rematch with CSUN today at 4 p.m. 


Gallery: (5-10-2025) 2025 SB Champs: No. 3 UCSB vs No. 2 CSUN
 
No. 3 seed UC Santa Barbara 7, No. 2 seed CSUN 5

Box Score | UCSB Presser | CSUN Presser |  Interactive Bracket
No. 3 seed UC Santa Barbara clinched the first ever Big West Softball Championship with a 7-5 victory over No. 2 seed CSUN and made history punching its ticket to the Division I NCAA Softball Championship for the first time since 2007. 


In 99-degree weather at Anderson Family Field in Fullerton, Calif., UCSB capitalized on a strong start, scoring three runs in the fourth inning to take control. The Matadors responded with three runs in the second and one in the third but could not regain the lead. UCSB's offense tallied 13 hits, including three doubles and a triple, while CSUN managed eight hits and two doubles. Both teams committed errors, with UCSB making one and CSUN two. 

Freshman phenom Giselle Mejia led the team with three hits and two runs including a double. Tehya Banks scored twice for the Gauchos and a stole a base while also contributing five assists defensively. Alexa Sams provided a key role on offense with a pair of hits, driving in two runs with a double.  


Malaya Johnson was named Big West Championship MVP after spinning 5.1 innings with three strikeouts while making history for the Blue and Gold.  

As for CSUN, Jerzie Liana led the team with two hits and scored a run, also contributing defensively with three assists and a double play. Raegan Jackson, also stood tall for the Matadors with two RBIs and a double while also drawing a walk. Vinessa Nunez, added to the offense with a hit, an RBI, and a run scored.  

Makalya Carman recorded the 200th hit of the senior's Matador career while also adding the 600th at-bat as well.  

The pitching tandem of Isabella Alonso and Lauryn Carranco tossed a complete game in the doubleheader setback. Carranco sat down three UCSB batters during game two.  
2025 Big West Softball All-Tournament Team  

Isabella Alonso, CSUN

India Caldwell, UC San Diego

Lauryn Carranco, CSUN

Lily Hermosillo, UC San Diego

Malaya Johnson, UC Santa Barbara

Jerzie Liana, CSUN

Delaina Ma'ae, UC Santa Barbara

Izabella Martinez, Hawai'i

Giselle Mejia, UC Santa Barbara

Carly Robbins, Long Beach State

Gizella Sandoval Vargas, CSUN

Jazzy Santos, UC Santa Barbara

Liliana Thomas, Hawai'i

With the UCSB win, the Gauchos earn The Big West's automatic qualifier and make their first appearance in the NCAA Championship since 2007. UCSB will await the seed and matchup in the form of the NCAA Selection show live on ESPN2 tomorrow, Sunday, May 11 at 4 p.m. PT.  


Gallery: (5-10-2025) 2025 SB Champs: No. 3 UCSB vs No. 2 CSUN