(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Team USA Wins Fourth Straight World Games Softball Title in China
CHENGDU, China – The U.S. Softball Women’s National Team continued its international dominance by capturing a fourth consecutive World Games championship on Sunday at the Xindu Better City Softball Arena.
Powered by standout performances from several former UCLA softball stars — including Maya Brady, Ally Carda, Megan Faraimo, Rachel Garcia and Bubba Nickles-Camarena — Team USA went a perfect 5-0 in the five-day event.
Tournament Recap
The U.S. opened pool play with wins over Chinese Taipei, the Netherlands, and China, before earning a thrilling 7-6, 10-inning victory against Japan in the semifinals. Team USA then sealed the title with a 5-0 shutout of Chinese Taipei in the gold medal game.
Over the course of the tournament, the Americans outscored opponents 32-6 while posting a strong .344 team batting average.
Faraimo Dominates in the Circle
Pitcher Megan Faraimo, who starred for the AUSL champion Talons during the league’s 2025 inaugural season, delivered a gem in the championship game. She tossed a complete-game shutout, striking out 10 while allowing only three hits and one walk.
Faraimo’s efforts earned her recognition as Top Pitcher on the All-World Team, finishing the event with 12.0 scoreless innings.
UCLA Stars Shine
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Maya Brady started all five games, collecting five hits in 15 at-bats, including a home run in Team USA’s 8-1 win over the Netherlands.
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Rachel Garcia and Ally Carda combined for a shutout against Chinese Taipei to open the tournament.
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Garcia also pitched 7.1 innings with 11 strikeouts in the semifinal against Japan.
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Bubba Nickles-Camarena contributed in the outfield with key defensive plays throughout the tournament.
Jennings Named MVP
The semifinal thriller against Japan came down to extra innings, where Oklahoma alumna Tiare Jennings delivered the walk-off hit. Jennings, who also stars for the AUSL’s Volts, drove in three runs in the game and was later named World Games MVP.
With this victory, Team USA extends its reign at the World Games, further cementing its place as the world’s top power in women’s softball.
