The Arizona State Sun Devils are making their return to the NCAA Softball Tournament this weekend, entering the Los Angeles Regional as something of a dark horse. Despite a challenging season, the Sun Devils (35–19) have shown resilience and are poised to make a significant impact.
Hosted by No. 9 seed UCLA (49–10), the Los Angeles Regional features a competitive lineup, including San Diego State (37–17) and UC Santa Barbara (34–24).
The action kicks off at Easton Stadium on Friday, May 16, with UCLA facing UC Santa Barbara at 4:30 p.m. PT, followed by Arizona State taking on San Diego State at 7 p.m. PT.
Here’s an overhead view of what each team brings to the field.
Bracket Breakdown: Los Angeles Regional
| Team | Conf. | Record | RPI | SOS | ERA | OBP | FLD% | Runs/G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State | Big 12 | 35–19 | 33 | 36 | 3.40 | .375 | .970 | 4.8 |
| (9) UCLA | Big Ten | 49–10 | 6 | 18 | 2.45 | .440 | .979 | 7.3 |
| San Diego State | MWC | 37–17 | 29 | 38 | 2.81 | .374 | .969 | 4.9 |
| UC Santa Barbara | Big West | 34–24 | 128 | 178 | 3.73 | .379 | .968 | 4.0 |
The Favorite: UCLA
The Bruins enter the regional as the top seed, boasting a potent offense that averages 7.3 runs per game and a pitching staff with a 2.45 ERA. Their .979 fielding percentage ranks among the nation’s best, reflecting their defensive prowess. With a balanced team and the advantage of playing at home, UCLA is well-positioned to advance.
The Contender: San Diego State
San Diego State presents a formidable challenge with a strong pitching staff that holds a 2.81 ERA and a defense with a .969 fielding percentage. Their offense, averaging right at five runs per game, is capable of putting pressure on opponents. The Aztecs’ experience and balanced play make them a serious contender in this regional.
The Dark Horse: Arizona State
Arizona State’s season has been marked by resilience and growth. Their offense, averaging 5.92 runs per game, is complemented by a pitching staff with a 3.11 ERA. While their .965 fielding percentage indicates room for improvement, the Sun Devils have the potential to surprise, especially if their offense catches fire.
Regional X-Factor: Pitching Depth
In a regional featuring strong offensive teams, the depth and performance of each team’s pitching staff will be crucial. UCLA’s consistent pitching, San Diego State’s balanced approach, and Arizona State’s potential for breakout performances in the circle could all play pivotal roles in determining who advances.
Los Angeles Regional Schedule
Los Angeles, California
Friday, May 16
- Game 1: UC Santa Barbara vs. No. 9 UCLA | 4:30 p.m. PT | ESPN+
- Game 2: San Diego State vs. Arizona State | 7 p.m. PT | ESPN2
Saturday, May 17
- Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 5 p.m. PT | TV TBD
- Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 7:30 p.m. PT | TV TBD Loser eliminated
- Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 10 p.m. PT | TV TBD Loser eliminated
Sunday, May 18
- Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | Time TBD | TV TBD
- Game 7 (if necessary): TBD vs. TBD | Time TBD | TV TBD
The winner of the Los Angeles Regional will advance to play the winner of the Fayetteville Regional, hosted by No. 4 seed Arkansas.
Prediction: UCLA Advances, 3-1
UCLA’s combination of offensive firepower, pitching depth, and home-field advantage positions them as the favorite to sweep through the regional. However, both San Diego State and Arizona State have the talent to challenge the Bruins, making this regional one to watch closely.
