May 6, 2007
Memphis, Tenn. (www.ucfathletics.com) - The UCF softball team put together a rally in the seventh inning, but fell just short of taking the series finale from Memphis (35-23, 10-12 C-USA) at the MU Softball Complex, dropping the contest 2-1. The Knights fell to 11-13 in Conference USA and 35-24 overall, but despite three losses this weekend they hold on to the four seed going into the C-USA Softball Championship presented by Coca-Cola, which will be held on the UCF campus.
Three different Knights recorded a hit in the game, all in the seventh inning. Breanne Javier recorded a double and UCF's only RBI to lead the Black and Gold offense.
Allison Kime was tagged with the loss in the circle allowing two runs on only five hits, while striking out two.
Memphis was the first to put a runner in scoring position in the fourth inning when Bridgette McNulty reached base on a fielder's choice and stole second. Following a free base issued to Kara Ross, Leigh Rowan hit a long fly ball to left field with runners on second and third, but Megan Murphy made a fantastic snag at the fence to end the inning.
Memphis came right back in the fifth and put runners on first and third with two outs. Both runners had reached base earlier on walks. Kime's third walk of the inning loaded the bases for the Tigers with two outs, but the hurler got Kimmi Hayden to fly out to right field, ending the inning and keeping the score, 0-0.
A lead-off home run by senior McNulty in the sixth inning put the Knights down, 1-0. A walk, sacrifice hit and a single up the middle by Lindsey Pridgen made the score 2-0 with one more at-bat for UCF.
Kacie Feaster broke up Jenna Kubesch's perfect game in the top of the seventh inning with a bunt single in front of home plate and Javier crushed a double to left-center field, scoring Feaster. Hillary Barrow reached base on an infield single, putting the game-tying run at third base with two outs. The Knights' rally fell just short, as Kubesch managed to strike out Shelly Frick to end the game.
The Black and Gold will take the field next on May 10 when they face-off with fifth-seed Marshall at the Conference USA Softball Championship presented by Coca-Cola at the UCF Softball Complex. Game time is yet to be determined.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports.
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