March 6, 2005
ORLANDO, Fla. - The UCF softball finished the weekend 2-2-1 at the UCF Fastpitch Invitational dropping a close 3-2 decision to Central Michigan on Sunday afternoon.
"We had some good games against some quality competition," head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie said. "We can't continue to beat ourselves, and give the opposition some extra chances in close games."
Central Michigan scored two runs in the first inning grabbing a 2-0 advantage. Amy Hudson reached on a fielder's choice, and moved to third base on a double by Christan Dhondt. Hudson came across on an infield hit by Jacque Benedict while Dhondt scored on a UCF throwing error.
Bryttani Lindheim evened the game in the fifth inning driving in two runs with a double off the right field fence.
The frame started with Jania Shinhoster getting hit by a pitch, and Lindsay Enders reaching on a throwing error. Enders and Shinhoster moved over to second and third base on a sacrifice bunt by Kacie Feaster.
"That was a big hit by Bryttani when we needed one the most," Luers-Gillispie said. "She took the ball opposite field, tied the game, and kept the momentum going for us."
The Golden Knights proceeded to load the bases as Cici Alvarez reached on a bunt single, and Stephanie Best drew a walk.
Amber Lamb hit a lined shot into center field that was ruled caught on the fly, CMU tagged Best out in-between first and second base. Lindheim tagged from third base, and scored before Best was tagged on the base pads. The umpire ruled that Lindheim never tagged up.
"It was a tough decision that went against us," Luers-Gillispie said. "It stopped our momentum, and changed the complextion of the game."
Benedict gave the Chippewas the 3-2 lead in the sixth inning hitting a solo shot over the left field fence.
UCF put together a rally in the seventh inning with two outs, and had the go-ahead run on second base. However the rally feel short as UCF grounded out for the final out.
"I was proud of the girls for not giving up, and battling back against adversity," Luers-Gillispie said. "We'll need to learn from this, and that will make us stronger going into next weekend against some strong competition."
The Golden Knights get back to action next weekend at the Speedline Tournament. UCF will match up with No. 10 Baylor in pool play at the Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex in Clearwater.