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UCSB Softball wins two thrillers including a walk-off home run from Waddell
The Gauchos secured a walk-off victory over LIU and followed it up with a hard-fought win against Iowa State.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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The UC Santa Barbara softball team secured a walk-off 7-6 victory over LIU and followed it up with a hard-fought 4-3 win against Iowa State on Friday. The Gauchos' offense was highlighted by three home runs, including a walk-off solo shot from Ainsley Waddell in the seventh inning against LIU. In the game against Iowa State, UCSB rallied from a 3-0 deficit to tie the game in the fifth inning before taking the lead for good in the sixth.
Why it matters
The two wins showcase the resilience and offensive firepower of the UCSB softball team, which is looking to build momentum heading into conference play. The walk-off victory over LIU and come-from-behind win against Iowa State demonstrate the Gauchos' ability to win close games against tough opponents.
The details
In the first game against LIU, the Gauchos jumped out to a 3-1 lead before the Sharks took a 4-3 advantage in the fifth inning. UCSB responded with three runs in the sixth to go up 6-4, but LIU tied it in the bottom half. In the seventh, Waddell hit her second home run of the game to give the Gauchos the 7-6 win. Against Iowa State, the Cyclones took a 3-0 lead early, but UCSB rallied with three runs in the fifth to tie it. The Gauchos then took the lead for good in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from Giselle Mejia.
- The Gauchos and Cyclones game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with live stats available on Saturday at 12:45 p.m.
The players
Ainsley Waddell
A key offensive contributor for the UCSB softball team, hitting two home runs including the game-winning shot against LIU.
Giselle Mejia
Drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning against Iowa State to give UCSB the lead.
What’s next
UC Santa Barbara will play Iowa State in a single game on Saturday at 12:45 p.m.
The takeaway
The Gauchos demonstrated their ability to win close games against tough opponents, rallying from deficits in both contests to secure the victories. This performance should give the team confidence as they prepare for conference play.
