One of my favorite things about Texas Tech’s matchup with the UCLA Bruins is the way Gerry Glasco has gone out of his way to show respect for the Bruins. The UCLA softball program is truly iconic, one of the best in the nation, and Glasco is certainly aware of that.
And the head coach of the Texas Tech softball program is absolutely giving UCLA a ton of credit after Texas Tech escaped a thrilling matchup with the Bruins. And escaped might be the best way of framing this one. Texas Tech really survived their matchup. The Bruins just would not quit.
And that’s part of what the head coach of the Red Raiders really seemed so impressed with.
Gerry Glasco calls Texas Tech softball’s win over the UCLA Bruins one of the best WCWS games in years
“The talent UCLA has is just, they’re hard to beat, as you could see,” Glasco explained in his postgame press conference following the 8-7 extra inning win over the Bruins. “I was so impressed, the way they just kept coming at us, coming at us, coming at us.”
The Bruins were pretty relentless.
With elimination as a real threat, and both UCLA and Texas Tech seemingly interested in avoiding that possibility, the Bruins did not stop fighting at any point along the way. When Texas Tech took a lead, the Bruins fought back and forced extra innings. And as the Red Raiders claimed a late lead, UCLA didn’t give up.
“You don’t expect anything less from a program like that with the traditions they have, the great coaches they have, and then the unbelievable talent in those uniforms,” Glasco said.
Which is all fair and good to remember. The Red Raiders went up against one of the best programs college softball has to offer and was able to go score-for-score with UCLA. That’s not an easy thing to do. Especially when you factor in how the Bruins have hit over 200 home runs this season.
“Tip of the hat to UCLA for creating what I think is one of the best games we’ve seen in a long time in Oklahoma City,” Glasco said.
And yeah, that was an instant classic. College softball fans will want to look back on this one and celebrate it at every opportunity. It’s almost a shame that it was an elimination game and not in the championship series, but it’s still a fantastic and iconic matchup that should be celebrated and enjoyed for years to come.
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