April 20, 2006
ORLANDO - Cici Alvarez was 2-for-3 at the plate with two stolen bases and one run scored as the UCF softball team defeated Jacksonville, 3-2, Thursday afternoon at the UCF Softball Complex. The Golden Knights improved to 17-31 on the season, while the Dolphins fell to 22-33.
"It was so good to see Magon (Paul) throw the complete game after being out four weeks," UCF head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie said. "Offensively, Cici has really come out attacking the ball and making plays happen. Michelle (Newton) was a game-time decision that turned out to really help the team today."
Magon Paul went the distance in the circle for the Golden Knights, giving up two runs on seven hits with three strikeouts. Jacksonville used three pitchers in six innings of work with Shannon Jensen getting the loss. Jensen pitched three innings and gave up three runs on four hits with one strikeout.
The Golden Knights used a three-run third to earn the win over the Dolphins. Kacie Feaster led off the inning with a single up the middle and then advanced to second on a pass ball. Michelle Newton reached on a fielding error that allowed Feaster to score the first run of the inning.
Alvarez laid down a bunt in front of the plate and beat the throw to first, while Newton advanced to third. Alvarez then stole second. Newton scored and Alvarez moved 60 feet closer on Jacksonville's second pass ball of the inning. Lindsay Dean scored Alvarez when she singled to center field.
Jacksonville struck early in the game, scoring their first run in the top of the first inning. Jillian Mirante led off the game with a single up the middle and then stole second. Two batters later, Janine Palumbo hit a double to left field, scoring Mirante.
The Dolphins added a second run in the sixth when Katie Pestrak hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Palumbo from third.
The Golden Knights return to Conference USA play Saturday when the team travels to El Paso, Texas to take on UTEP in a three-game series. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. ET. UCF's next home game is May 2 when the squad welcomes Florida State to the UCF Softball Complex. Tickets for all home games are available at the gate, $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and children 5-17.