University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Aleena Garcia
Photo by: Mac Brown
Garcia Honored as National Freshman of the Week by Softball America
April 14, 2026 | Softball
Shortstop Aleena Garcia on the No. 9 UCLA softball team was named National Freshman of the Week by Softball America on Tuesday morning. The honor comes after she also earned National Defender of the Week recognition from the same outlet on April 7.
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Garcia homered in each of the Bruins' four victories last week โ against Cal State Fullerton on Tuesday and Illinois from Friday through Sunday โ highlighted by the first multi-home run game of her career in Sunday's series finale.
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She led UCLA with five home runs, nine RBIs, 22 total bases and a 1.467 slugging percentage over the four games. Her first home run of the week, a solo shot in the sixth inning at Cal State Fullerton, cut UCLA's deficit to 11-10 and sparked a 13-11 comeback victory.
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In the series opener at Illinois, Garcia contributed to UCLA's 14-run seventh inning, which included six home runs and two separate back-to-back-to-back sequences. Her home run capped the second stretch and tied the program's single-game record of eight homers.
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In the series finale, Garcia hit two three-run home runs in UCLA's 18-0 victory, finishing with a career-high six RBIs.
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Garcia and the Bruins return to action Tuesday at Easton Stadium against Cal Baptist at 6 p.m. PT.
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Garcia homered in each of the Bruins' four victories last week โ against Cal State Fullerton on Tuesday and Illinois from Friday through Sunday โ highlighted by the first multi-home run game of her career in Sunday's series finale.
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She led UCLA with five home runs, nine RBIs, 22 total bases and a 1.467 slugging percentage over the four games. Her first home run of the week, a solo shot in the sixth inning at Cal State Fullerton, cut UCLA's deficit to 11-10 and sparked a 13-11 comeback victory.
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In the series opener at Illinois, Garcia contributed to UCLA's 14-run seventh inning, which included six home runs and two separate back-to-back-to-back sequences. Her home run capped the second stretch and tied the program's single-game record of eight homers.
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In the series finale, Garcia hit two three-run home runs in UCLA's 18-0 victory, finishing with a career-high six RBIs.
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Garcia and the Bruins return to action Tuesday at Easton Stadium against Cal Baptist at 6 p.m. PT.
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Players Mentioned
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/ SoftballHighlights - UCLA Softball at Illinois (April 12, 2026)
Sunday, April 12
Highlights - UCLA Softball at Illinois (April 11, 2026)
Saturday, April 11
Highlights - UCLA Softball at Illinois (April 10, 2026)
Friday, April 10
Highlights - UCLA Softball vs. Indiana (April 5, 2026)
Sunday, April 05