Marshall Game Notes
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March 30, 2007
UCF: 25-15, 4-5 C-USA
Marshall: 21-14, 5-4 C-USA
Live Stats: www.UCFAthletics.com
Radio: www.UCFAthletics.com
Tickets: UCF Ticket Office - 407-UCF-1000
Promotions: http://ucfathletics.cstv.com/tickets/w-softbl-tickets.html
Orlando, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Following a mid-week split with Florida State, the UCF softball team (25-15, 4-5 C-USA) will host the Marshall Thundering Herd (21-14, 5-4 C-USA) in Conference USA action March 31-April 1 at the UCF Softball Complex. The first pitch of Saturday's doubleheader is on tap for 1 p.m. and Sunday's game is scheduled for Noon.
Previewing Marshall
The Thundering Herd has opened its 2007 campaign with a 21-14 record, with wins coming against teams such as No. 24 North Carolina State, Louisville, UTEP, UAB and East Carolina. Marshall is led by junior catcher Rachel Folden, who tops all Conference USA players in batting average (.458), slugging percentage (.833), on-base percentage (.571) and total bases (80). J.J. Bitner also has impressive numbers on the season, ranking first in the league in hits (52), stolen bases (24) and is second in batting average (.441).
Remember When...
A year ago, UCF travelled to Huntington, W.Va. to take on Marshall, for the first time, in a three-game Conference USA series. In game one, the Golden Knights lost 7-2 despite getting a stellar performance from Lindsay Dean at the plate. The catcher was 2-for-4 with two RBI and scored one run.
Game two did not fare much better for the Black and Gold as they dropped the nightcap, 6-1. Kacie Feaster led both teams from the plate as she registered three hits against Abigail Harter.
UCF looked to take one game from the Thundering Herd on Sunday, but could not hold on to an eight-run lead as Marshall used an eight-run sixth inning to come from behind for the victory and the sweep. Feaster, Dean, and Amber Lamb all notched two hits on the day, while Breanne Javier added three RBI.
Records are Meant to be Broken
Allison Kime shattered two records against ACC powerhouse Florida State on March 28 as she set a new UCF mark for strikeouts in a game with 18, eclipsing her old record of 14. Kime bested her previous mark of 11 straight innings pitched by going all 12 in the 1-0 win over the Seminoles.
Two is Better Than One
Hillary Barrow just could not settle for singles on Wednesday while leading the Golden Knights to a split with Florida State, as she cranked out three doubles in the contests. Not only was she hot at the plate, but she also scored two runs on the night, including the game-winner in the 12th inning of the Black and Gold's victory.
K is for Kime
Following Allison Kime's record breaking performance on Wednesday, the pitcher has moved to within 22 strike outs of Dottie Cupp's UCF career record of 403 set in 2003. With 160 whiffs on the year, she needs 62 more to surpass her season record of 222.
This is Why We're Hot
UCF is 23-4 when its opponents score two or less runs in a contest and are 20-0 when it leads after the sixth inning. The Black and Gold has outscored its opponents 14-2 in the seventh inning this season.
Make You Sweat
Allison Kime makes opposing teams work hard to score, or even get on base, as she has allowed a mere one earned run in her last 66.1 innings pitched. The fire-baller has also allowed only 27 hits in her last 10 appearances, allowed only 12 walks and struck out an astounding 86 batters.
Sacrificing for the Team
Ashleigh Cole is a big reason the Black and Gold took their second game ever from Florida State on Wednesday. The freshman laid down a crucial sacrifice bunt to put Hillary Barrow into scoring position on what would eventually become the game-winning run. Cole had three total sacrifice bunts in the doubleheader, two coming in UCF's win.
Key Performer
Shelly Frick has become the Golden Knights' go-to player when they need a hit in key stiuations as the sophomore is batting a .375 (3-for-8) as a pinch hitter this season. One of those hits came in UCF's 1-0 victory over Florida State on March 28.
Doesn't Happen Too Often
Through 40 games this season, Cici Alvarez has been the toughest Golden Knight to strike out for opposing pitchers. In 109 at-bats, the senior third-baseman has only struck out seven times in 2007 and only once in Conference USA action.
This Day in UCF Softball History
March 31 - Saturday's doubleheader will mark the first time the UCF softball team has played on this date. April 1 - In 2006, the Golden Knights opened their fourth Conference USA series against Southern Miss. UCF dropped both games of the doubleheader, 7-2 and 6-2.
Cram the Complex Community Knight
UCF vs. UAB Saturday, April 14 1:00 & 3:00 Past campers and community leaguers wearing their uniforms receive free admission with paid adult. Policemen, firefighters and their families receive $2 off all tickets