Linear algebra, despite its name, is not straightforward, stumping college students and graduates alike.
In the same vein, even when one’s path to sports stardom looks linear, that does not mean it is without hardship, strife and dedication.

Confidence and composure often define the elite.
No. 11 UCLA softball (10-3) embodied both throughout three wins Thursday and Friday at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, defeating Auburn (11-3) 23-1 in five innings to open the tournament before coming from behind to defeat Nevada (7-7) 6-5 and No.

The Bruins are returning to Westwood for their first home game since suffering back-to-back blowout defeats to then-No. 2 Michigan on Feb. 14 and No. 15 Michigan State on Tuesday – falling by a combined 53 points.

Illinois was not on anyone’s mind, even though the No. 10-ranked team, outside of the AP Poll, is the fourth-best team and top-ranked offensive squad in the country, per KenPom.

Two years ago, the Bruins were swept by the Horned Frogs in a three-game road series where they were outscored by a total of 23-9.
This time, UCLA’s offense surpassed its previous series total in just five innings while its pitching staff held TCU to just two runs.

UCLA football will stay at the Rose Bowl for the 2026 season.
Mary Osako, UCLA’s vice chancellor for strategic communications, announced the news in a Saturday statement.

One year after a two-loss showing at the Barbara Kalbus Invitational, the Bruins return to conference play with a second-place finish.
No. 2 UCLA women’s water polo (9-1) will travel to Berkeley on Saturday to open Mountain Pacific Sports Federation competition against No.