The Lady Vols were on the wrong end of the worst call in Women's College World Series history on Sunday as the umpires spared UCLA a run they should not have been awarded.
Bruins power hitter Megan Grant hit a game-tying two-run home run in the seventh inning to keep UCLA's season alive. It was her 26th home run on the season and one of the most clutch hits this season. The only thing is she didn't step on home plate.
Her teammate pushed her back to step on home plate, which is illegal since her teammate assisted in doing so. After a lengthy review lasting over 10 minutes, the umpires finally made a decision.
They decided there would be no decision and ruled the play "not reviewable" and granted UCLA with the game-tying run.
"The runner did miss home plate, it was assisted. However, that play is not reviewable."
— ESPN (@espn) June 1, 2025
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
This is, undoubtedly, the worst call in Women's College World Series history. None of the umpires caught the play live, went to review, decided it couldn't be reviewed and awarded UCLA the run despite knowing Grant didn't step on home plate.
Lady Vols respond with a walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth
UCLA's game-tying home run sent the game into extra innings. After neither team could spot a run in the eighth inning, they moved on to the ninth inning.
The Bruins loaded the bases at the top of the ninth inning, adding to the drama of the game, but the Lady Vols escaped the jam to give them a chance to win the game in the ninth inning.
Tennessee responded to UCLA's bases-loaded jam with their own bases-loaded opportunity in the bottom of the ninth. A Laura Mealer single into left field drove home the game-winning run to seal the Lady Vols' victory and advance to the Women's College World Series semifinal.
this is for your appendix g
— Tennessee Softball (@Vol_Softball) June 1, 2025
📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/srGAh0YPdI
The 5-4 win over UCLA gives the Lady Vols an opportunity to advance to the Women's College World Series final, but they will have to do it against SEC foe Texas.
The Longhorns have yet to lose a game and have beaten Florida and softball powerhouse Oklahoma on their way to their semifinal appearance.
Tennessee and Texas will face off on Monday, with the first pitch scheduled for Noon ET. The Lady Vols will have to beat the Longhorns twice to advance to the championship series.