Long Beach State softball is set to face No. 8 UCLA in a crucial matchup as they look to sustain momentum after a recent series sweep of UC Santa Barbara. With a storied rivalry that dates back to 1981, UCLA leads the all-time series 76-12, though Long Beach's last victory came in 2015. Sophomore Lina Apodaca stands out after leading the team with a .636 batting average in the last series, while freshman Nina Sepulveda continues to shine, earning accolades and contributing significantly to the team鈥檚 success this season. This matchup will be broadcasted live on ESPN+ as Long Beach aims to solidify its position in the Big West standings amid a challenging schedule.

By the Numbers
  • UCLA leads the all-time series against Long Beach State 76-12.
  • Lina Apodaca is hitting .394 this season, leading the Big West in hits and doubles.
  • Long Beach State is batting .304 as a team, with five regulars hitting over .340.
  • Nina Sepulveda has 37 RBI, leading the team in that category.
State of Play
  • Long Beach State is currently moving up the Big West standings after a successful series sweep.
  • Multiple players are receiving weekly awards, including Apodaca and Sepulveda which indicates strong individual performances.
  • Long Beach State recently returned key juniors while dealing with injuries to important players like Malayna Terrones.
What's Next

After facing UCLA, Long Beach State will need to maintain its performance against Cal Poly to continue climbing in the conference standings. The team will look to leverage their strong lineup and pitching staff as they head into more critical matchups as the season progresses.

Bottom Line

Long Beach State softball is poised for growth under new head coach Kendall Fearn, and with key players in form, they aim to challenge the historical dominance of UCLA while establishing themselves firmly in the Big West Conference.