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2025 Duke vs UCLA

Duke Softball Stuns UCLA 1-0 At 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

Duke Softball Stuns UCLA 1-0 At 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

Duke broke a scoreless tie in the seventh inning to top UCLA 1-0 on the final day of the 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Cathedral City, California.

Feb 23, 2025 by Matt Cannizzaro
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The schedule for the final day of the 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Cathedral City, California, may include fewer games, but if the early contest between No. 4 UCLA and No. 14 Duke is any indication of what’s to come, the day won’t be boring.

In the end, Duke was able to pull off its second upset in as many weeks, this time defeating UCLA 1-0 to close out a perfect five-win weekend on the West Coast.

The powerhouse squads, looking to return to the NCAA Women’s College World Series where they both came up short last season, battled for seven innings with top-tier pitching and game-saving defense. 

The teams combined for seven hits in the contest and left a total of 12 runners on base, with almost every opportunity for a rally stopped by the opposing team's pitching and defense.

An over-the-fence catch by UCLA freshman outfield Rylee Slimp robbed Duke of a home run and a 2-0 lead in the top of the sixth inning. Instead, it ended the Blue Devils’ strong start to the inning and kept the game scoreless.

Duke could not be denied in the final inning, however, as a one-out double from graduate student Thessa Malau'ulu and a bloop single by sophomore Linh Le plated the game’s first, and only, run.

In the bottom half of the inning, a heroic catch down the left field line by Duke sophomore Amiah Burgess ended any threat of another famous UCLA comeback and ended the contest.

Burgess also had one of Duke’s four hits in game.

Junior left-hander Cassidy Curd was the other star for the Blue Devils, earning the complete-game win to improve to 5-1 on the season. In seven innings, she gave up three hits, while striking out five and walking four.

The Blue Devils will leave California at 13-3 overall this season and after Mary Nutter wins over No. 15 Nebraska (3-0), Howard (13-1), BYU (1-0), Minnesota (2-0) and No. 4 UCLA.

Last weekend, to close out the Bubly Invitational in Gainesville, Florida, Duke defeated the No. 3 Florida Gators at their home stadium.

On the way to a 5-1 record this week at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, UCLA defeated four ranked teams, including No. 22 Missouri (4-1), No. 15 Nebraska (9-1), No. 7 Tennessee (4-3) and No. 10 Arkansas (9-1), plus a 6-2 over Baylor, which previously was ranked and still received votes in the latest ESPN.com/USA Softball Poll.

The Bruins now are 14-2 during the 2025 campaign.

Against Duke, UCLA managed just three hits and left seven runners on base. 

Junior right-hander Taylor Tinsley pitched a great game, going all seven innings. She was responsible for the four hits and one Duke run, while striking out seven and not walking any Blue Devils. Tinsley takes the loss and falls to 2-1 this season.

Up next for UCLA is a trip to the Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton, California. The Bruins’ first opponent will be No. 5 LSU on Feb. 27.

Duke will head home to Durham, North Carolina, for a Feb. 27 game against Michigan. 

The 2025 edition of the Mary Nutter is taking place at the Big League Dreams Complex from Feb. 20-23.

The park includes five fields modeled after some of the most historic venues in Major League Baseball. Among them, Boston’s Fenway Park, Chicago’s Wrigley Field and New York’s Yankee Stadium.

The 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic includes 31 teams, headlined by Tennessee, Nebraska and Utah. 

Watch The Full Replay Of The Duke Vs. UCLA Game At The 2025 Mary Nutter

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Final Stats From Duke Softball Vs. UCLA Softball At 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

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UCLA Softball Unable To Fight Back In Final Inning Against Duke, Blue Devils Win 1-0

The Bruins got a walk to start their final inning against Duke, but Curd shuts the door to end the game.

A defensive GEM down the left field line closes it out. 

Duke wins 1-0.

Blue Devils First To Score In Mary Nutter Matchup With UCLA Softball, Duke Leads 1-0

Graduate student Thessa Malau'ulu smacks a one-out double to left center. It's the third hit of the game for Duke.

Sophomore Linh Le bloops a two-out single that scores Malau'ulu. 

Duke leads 1-0 as the inning ends.

UCLA Softball Poses Biggest Threat All Day, Comes Up Empty Against Duke

A one-out standup double from junior slugger Jordan Woolery gives UCLA the opportunity to break open the game.

Aleena Garcia comes in to run for Woolery. Garcia advances to third base on a wild pitch. 

Bragg is walked to put runners on first and third with one out.

Duke gets out of the jam.

The score is 0-0 after six full innings.

Duke Softball Unable To Capitalize On Sixth-Inning Opportunity Against UCLA

For the second consecutive inning, Duke gets its leadoff hitter on base, this time with a single from junior D'Auna Jennings, who advances to second on a sacrifice fly that was about an inch from being a two-run home run.

Once again, Tinsley is able to pitch out of the threat. 

There's still no score after five and a half innings.

UCLA Softball, Duke Flexible With Strategies But Still Can't Break Through

Both teams seem to be adjusting their strategies, bunting, etc., but neither has been able to break through.

The pitching and defense for both teams has been stellar.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Bruins get a single and a walk to put two on with two outs, but Curd is able to end the UCLA threat.

There's no score through five innings, and only a combined three hits in the game.

Duke Finds Way To Gain Momentum In Fifth Inning Against UCLA Softball

An infield single from sophomore Amiah Burgess, a throwing error on a bunt attempt and a second consecutive bunt give Duke runners on second and third with one out.

Great defense and pitching from UCLA stop the momentum, however, and the game remains scoreless.

UCLA Softball Vs. Duke Scoreless Through Three Innings

Duke and UCLA have combined for one hit through three innings in California, and there's still no score.

UCLA Logs First Hit In Contest With Duke At Mary Nutter 2025

Freshman Kaniya Bragg, who had the winning hit Saturday against Arkansas, delivers again, this time with a single to kick off the top of the second inning for UCLA against Duke.

That's where the threat ends, however, as the Duke defense provides excellent support. 

Still no score after two innings.

UCLA Retired In Order By Duke Softball

This one is expected to be a pitchers' duel. So far, it hasn't disappointed.

Three up, three down for UCLA in the bottom of the first inning.

No score.

Duke Unable To Score In Opening Inning Against UCLA Softball

Tinsley was cruising along, but a routine fly ball to left field was dropped. It would've been the third out. Instead, junior Aminah Vega ends up on second base with two outs.

Tinsley brings an end to the inning with a grounder to second base.

Duke Softball And UCLA Underway On Final Day Of Mary Nutter 2025

Here we go! Day 4 underway in California.

Duke is up first and will face UCLA junior right-hander Taylor Tinsley. 

The Blue Devils will send junior southpaw Cassidy Curd into the circle.

The Duke Lineup Is In! Bring On UCLA Softball

The Duke lineup is in, and the Blue Devils are 10 minutes from taking on UCLA at the 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic.

UCLA Softball Is Ready For Duke - Are You?

Here's who's starting for UCLA against the Blue Devils on Sunday:

When Is The Duke Vs. UCLA Softball Game?

Duke and UCLA will meet at the Big League Dreams Complex in Cathedral City, California, on Sunday, Feb. 23 at noon Eastern.

How To Watch The 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

Watch the 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic on FloCollege and the FloSports App.

Replays of the games, highlights and more breaking news will be on both platforms.

FloSoftball will be streaming several other NCAA Division I College Softball tournaments, including the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge, Rocket City Softball Showcase, FAU Paradise Classic and the FAU Joan Joyce Classic.

Feb 23, 5:00 PM UTC

2025 Duke vs UCLA


About Duke Softball

After a 3-2 start to the 2025 season, Duke held steady in Week 2 and ended up 7-3 across the first 10 games of the year. The Blue Devils also held their ranking of No. 14 in the latest ESPN.com/USA Softball Poll.

In 2024, Duke posted a program-best 52-9 record and was one of eight teams that qualified for the 2024 NCAA Women’s CWS. 

The campaign’s final days in Oklahoma City included a loss to eventual national champion Oklahoma and a season-ending loss to Alabama. 

Duke did not play in the Mary Nutter in 2024.

Take A Look Inside The Duke Softball Program

Duke softball is on the rise.

About UCLA Softball

UCLA also held steady in the most recent ESPN.com/USA Softball Poll, retaining the No. 4 spot behind a trio of teams from the mighty Southeastern Conference – Texas, Oklahoma and Florida. 

All four squads also are looking to make it back to Oklahoma City for the WCWS, with UCLA aiming for a record-extending 13th national championship. In their quest to get back there, the Bruins are 9-1 in 2025.

That loss, however, a 7-6 decision against Virginia on Feb. 16, will be the last thing they remember heading into the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic. 

It’s probably not a big deal, and it might even be a relief to not have the pressure of attaining a perfect season every time you step on the field, like Oklahoma had to endure recently during a run to four consecutive national titles. 

The main thing that matters for UCLA is gaining momentum heading into conference play, as the Bruins will be making their debut in the Big Ten, where they are the favorites to win the conference title.

Last season, UCLA was 43-12 overall and 17-4 in its last season in the Pac-12. The Bruins were the Pac-12 regular-season and tournament champions, before seeing their campaign end with losses to Oklahoma and Stanford at the WCWS.

At the Mary Nutter in 2024, UCLA was 4-1, including two wins over ranked opponents. Duke did not play in the event last year.

Check Out UCLA’s Mary Nutter Preview

Here’s what’s ahead for UCLA

Duke Softball’s Matchups For The 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

All Times Eastern

Friday, Feb. 21

  • 4 p.m. – Duke vs. Nebraska
  • 6:30 p.m. – Duke vs. Howard

Saturday, Feb. 22

  • 12:30 p.m. – Duke vs. BYU
  • 3 p.m. – Duke vs. Minnesota

Sunday, Feb. 23

  • Noon – Duke vs. UCLA

UCLA Softball’s Matchups For The 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

All Times Eastern

Thursday, Feb. 20

  • 8 p.m. – UCLA vs. Missouri
  • 10:30 p.m. – UCLA vs. Nebraska

Friday, Feb. 21

  • 6:30 p.m. – UCLA vs. Tennessee

Saturday, Feb. 22

  • 3:30 p.m. – UCLA vs. Baylor
  • 6 p.m. – UCLA vs. Arkansas 

Sunday, Feb. 23

  • Noon – UCLA vs. Duke

ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 Poll - Feb. 18

  1. Texas (25) – Previous Rank: 1
  2. Oklahoma – Previous Rank: 3
  3. Florida – Previous Rank: 2
  4. UCLA – Previous Rank: 4
  5. LSU – Previous Rank: 7
  6. Texas A&M – Previous Rank: 5
  7. Tennessee – Previous Rank: 6
  8. Florida State – Previous Rank: 9
  9. Georgia – Previous Rank: 11
  10. Arkansas – Previous Rank: 13
  11. Arizona – Previous Rank: 15
  12. Texas Tech – Previous Rank: 8
  13. Oklahoma State – Previous Rank: 10
  14. Duke – Previous Rank: 14
  15. Nebraska – Previous Rank: 17
  16. Mississippi State – Previous Rank: 19
  17. Virginia Tech – Previous Rank: 18 
  18. Auburn – Previous Rank: NR
  19. Oregon – Previous Rank: 20
  20. Stanford – Previous Rank: 22
  21. Alabama – Previous Rank: 12
  22. Missouri – Previous Rank: 16
  23. San Diego State – Previous Rank: NR
  24. South Carolina – Previous Rank: NR
  25. Liberty – Previous Rank: NR

Others Receiving Votes: Baylor, Kentucky, Northwestern, Florida Atlantic, Indiana, Virginia, Ole Miss, UCF

When Is The 2025 Mary Nutter Softball Tournament?

The 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic will take place Feb. 20-23.

Games begin Thursday and culminate with the final games on Sunday. 

Where Is The 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic?  

The Mary Nutter Classic returns to the Big League Dreams Complex in Cathedral City, California. The complex has five fields available. 

2025 Mary Nutter Team List

As of Sept. 4, 2024

  • Arkansas
  • Baylor
  • Bethune-Cookman
  • BYU
  • Cal-Berkeley
  • Cal State Fullerton
  • CSUN
  • Duke
  • Fresno State
  • Hawai’i
  • Howard University
  • Long Beach State
  • Loyola Marymount University
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • Northwestern
  • Oregon
  • Oregon State
  • Rutgers
  • Saint Mary’s College
  • San Diego State
  • San Jose State
  • Seattle
  • Tennessee
  • UC Santa Barbara
  • UCLA
  • UC Riverside
  • Utah
  • Washington

Complete 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic Schedule

All Times Eastern

Thursday, Feb. 20

Wrigley Field

  • 12:30 p.m. – Rutgers vs. Arkansas
  • 3 p.m. – Cal State Fullerton vs. Arkansas
  • 5:30 p.m. – Nebraska vs. Baylor
  • 8 p.m. – Missouri vs. UCLA
  • 10:30 p.m. – Nebraska vs. UCLA

Yankee Stadium

  • 1 p.m. – California vs. Oregon
  • 3:30 p.m. – Tennessee vs. Oregon 
  • 6 p.m. – Tennessee vs. Oregon State
  • 8:30 p.m. – Washington vs. BYU
  • 11 p.m. – Washington vs. UC Riverside

Fenway Park

  • 1 p.m. – Nevada vs. Baylor
  • 3:30 p.m. – Rutgers vs. Missouri
  • 6 p.m. – Bethune-Cookman vs. Nevada
  • 8:30 p.m. – Bethune-Cookman vs. UC Riverside
  • 11 p.m. – CSUN vs. BYU

Des Moines Field

  • 6 p.m. – California vs. Cal State Fullerton
  • 8:30 p.m. – CSUN vs. Oregon State

Friday, Feb. 21

Wrigley Field

  • 1:30 p.m. – Rutgers vs. Tennessee
  • 4 p.m. – Duke vs. Nebraska
  • 6:30 p.m. – Tennessee vs. UCLA
  • 9 p.m. – Arkansas vs. Loyola Marymount
  • 11:30 p.m. – California vs. Washington

Yankee Stadium

  • 1 p.m. – Missouri vs. Baylor
  • 3:30 p.m. – Missouri vs. Minnesota
  • 6 p.m. – BYU vs. Hawai'i
  • 8:30 p.m. – BYU vs. UC Santa Barbara
  • 11 p.m. – Oregon State vs. UC Santa Barbara

Fenway Park

  • 1:30 p.m. – Oregon vs. Utah
  • 4 p.m. – Oregon vs. San Diego State
  • 6:30 p.m. – Howard vs. Duke
  • 9 p.m. – Northwestern vs. Seattle
  • 11:30 p.m. – Howard vs. San Jose State

Des Moines Field

  • 1 p.m. – Fresno State vs. Minnesota
  • 3:30 p.m. – Fresno State vs. Seattle
  • 6 p.m. – Long Beach State vs. Utah
  • 8:30 p.m. – Nevada vs. UC Riverside
  • 11 p.m. – Nevada vs. Hawai'i

Pawtucket Field

  • 1 p.m. – Cal State Fullerton vs. Bethune-Cookman
  • 3:30 p.m. – Rutgers vs. Bethune-Cookman
  • 6 p.m. – Cal State Fullerton vs. Saint Mary’s
  • 8:30 p.m. – San Jose State vs. CSUN
  • 11 p.m. – Saint Mary’s vs. CSUN

Saturday, Feb. 22

Wrigley Field

  • 1 p.m. – Baylor vs. Arkansas
  • 3:30 p.m. – Baylor vs. UCLA
  • 6 p.m. – Arkansas vs. UCLA
  • 8:30 p.m. – San Jose State vs. Nebraska
  • 11 p.m. – Howard vs. Nebraska

Yankee Stadium

  • 12:30 p.m. – Oregon vs. Missouri
  • 3 p.m. – Utah vs. Cal State Fullerton
  • 5:30 p.m. – Utah vs. Northwestern 
  • 8 p.m. – Saint Mary’s vs. Northwestern
  • 10:30 p.m. – Saint Mary’s vs. Hawai'i

Fenway Park

  • 12:30 p.m. – BYU vs. Duke
  • 3 p.m. – Minnesota vs. Duke
  • 5:30 p.m. – Minnesota vs. Tennessee
  • 8 p.m. – UC Riverside vs. Rutgers
  • 10:30 p.m. – UC Santa Barbara vs. Washington

Des Moines Field

  • 12:30 p.m. – Seattle vs. Long Beach State
  • 3 p.m. – Oregon State vs. Long Beach State
  • 5:30 p.m. – Oregon State vs. Rutgers
  • 8 p.m. – UC Santa Barbara vs. San Diego State
  • 10:30 p.m. – UC Riverside vs. San Diego State

Pawtucket Field

  • 12:30 p.m. – Bethune-Cookman vs. Fresno State
  • 3 p.m. – CSU vs. Nevada
  • 5:30 p.m. – Seattle vs. California
  • 8 p.m. – Loyola Marymount vs. California
  • 10:30 p.m. – Loyola Marymount vs. San Jose State

Sunday, Feb. 23

Wrigley Field

  • Noon – Duke vs. UCLA
  • 2 p.m. – Nebraska vs. Utah
  • 4 p.m. – San Diego State vs. Hawai'i

Yankee Stadium

  • 12:30 p.m. – Washington vs. Fresno State
  • 2:30 p.m. – Hawai'i vs. Loyola Marymount
  • 4:30 p.m. – Howard vs. Loyola Marymount

Fenway Park

  • Noon – Northwestern vs. California
  • 2 p.m. – San Diego State vs. Saint Mary’s

Des Moines Field

  • 12:30 p.m. – Long Beach State vs. Minnesota
  • 2:30 p.m. – Long Beach State vs. Howard

Pawtucket Field

  • Noon – Seattle vs. Oregon State
  • 2 p.m. – San Jose State vs. UC Santa Barbara

About Big League Dreams Cathedral City

The Big League Dreams Sports Parks are scattered throughout the United States and provide recreational and tournament players of all ages the chance to compete on world-class fields, often built as replicas of famous stadiums from the storied history of Major League Baseball.

Along with the nostalgic fields, the Big League Dreams venues include a restaurant and bar, batting cages, play area for children, stadium seating and space for other sports (hockey, soccer, sand volleyball), events and competitions. 

Big League Dreams Cathedral City was the first of the eight BLD properties to open, doing so in 1998. The park includes five fields. Among them, Boston’s Fenway Park, Chicago’s Wrigley Field and New York’s Yankee Stadium.

Looking Back: 2024 Duke Softball One-Minute Breakdown With Chez Sievers

Duke looked great in 2024, and Sievers was right. Who’s back in 2025, and will the Blue Devils get back to Oklahoma City?

Check out the 2025 Duke roster here.



Who Was Mary Nutter?

Mary Nutter was an All-American softball player and a pioneer in the sport. 

She was a coach at Pittsburgh State and was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1988 and the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1997.

Nutter died in 2012. 

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