Washington softball drops fifth straight in 7-2 loss to No. 7 UCLA

The Washington Huskies' struggles against ranked teams continued on Saturday afternoon in a 7-2 loss to the No. 7 UCLA Bruins.

The loss marked five straight for coach Heather Tarr's team, which let an early advantage slip away after left fielder Ava Carroll got the Huskies off to a solid start with a run-scoring double in the first inning to give UW an early 1-0 lead, before a home run from designated player Gabi Toney in the second inning tied the game at 2-2.

However, the lead didn't last long because, for the second straight day, the pitching staff was unable to keep the best offense in the Big Ten in the ballpark. The Bruins launched four home runs for the second straight day. Shortstop Aleena Garcia's two-run blast tied the game in the second inning, while left fielder Rylee Slimp, first baseman Jordan Woolery, and right fielder Megan Grant all hit solo shots.

Sophia Ramuno took the loss for the Huskies and fell to 9-4 on the year after she was able to make it through just 2 2/3 innings, allowing 6 runs (4 earned) on 3 hits and 2 walks with 3 strikeouts in the process. She gave way to freshman Allie Thomsen, who allowed a run on 3 hits with 4 walks over the next 3 1/3 innings, before Rylee Rehbein worked a perfect seventh inning with a strikeout.

After starter Brynne Nally let up 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks over the first 1 2/3 innings, she was relieved by Natalie Cable, who earned the win and improved to 9-1 on the year. Cable allowed just 2 hits and 3 walks with 4 strikeouts over the next 3 2/3, before Taylor Tinsley closed things out, letting up a hit and 2 walks with 3 strikeouts over the final 1 2/3.

Washington dropped to 34-15 on the year and 15-5 in Big Ten play with the loss and will look to avoid being swept on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. PT.

This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington Huskies drop fifth straight in 7-2 loss to No. 7 UCLA