The college softball home run record chase is heating up, and UCLA senior Megan Grant is right in the middle of it. On Thursday, Grant launched her 36th home run of the season in the first inning of the Bruins' Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal against Penn State, tying Oklahoma catcher Kendall Wells for the most homers in the nation this year.

Both players are now just one swing away from matching the single-season record of 37 home runs, set by Arizona's Laura Espinoza back in 1995 over 72 games. With the postseason in full swing, every at-bat carries extra weight.

Grant wasted no time making her mark. Stepping to the plate in the bottom of the first with the game scoreless, she sent the first pitch from Penn State's McKenna Young soaring over the fence, giving UCLA a quick 1-0 lead. That blast was just the beginning of an offensive showcase for the Bruins. Shortstop Aleena Garcia and third baseman Bri Alejandre also went deep in the same inning, pushing the lead to 3-0. Catcher Alexis Ramirez added a homer in the third, and an RBI triple from Jolyna Lamar made it 6-0 before the game was barely half over.

UCLA head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez couldn't hide her excitement about her team's firepower. "It's a new season and we came to play," she said. "I love how when we come out like that and do some powerful things, I still sit here and say that the power that's in the game today is just amazing. Some of those balls left the park pretty far."

Entering Thursday, UCLA and Oklahoma were tied for the national lead with 173 home runs each—already shattering the previous single-season record of 161. The Bruins added four more homers to bring their total to 177, while Oklahoma hit one to reach 174. Meanwhile, Wells was playing in the SEC Tournament quarterfinal against No. 9 Georgia, where she walked in the first inning but was held hitless through the early frames.

With the record within reach and both players swinging hot bats, this home run race is one every softball fan—and gear enthusiast—should be watching closely. Whether you're cheering for the Bruins or the Sooners, one thing is clear: power is the name of the game this season.