Feb. 16, 2010
| Game Day Essentials UCF vs. Stetson |
Game Time
? 5:30 p.m.
Team Records
? UCF: 1-2, 0-0 C-USA
? Stetson: 1-2, 0-0 A-Sun
Series Record
? Overall Record: 12-5
? in Orlando: 3-2
? in DeLand: 6-2
? Neutral Sites: 3-1
? Luers-Gillispie vs. Stetson: 12-5
Broadcast Information
? Radio: UCFAthletics.com
- Stretch Radio - On the Call: Eric Lopez
? Live Stats: UCFAthletics.com
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? Live Video: UCFAthletics.com
- Knights All-Access
Promotions
? First 100 fans through the gate receive a 2010 UCF softball schedule poster autographed by the Knights
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - After opening the 2010 season at the NTC Elite Invitational last weekend, the UCF softball team returns home Wednesday when it host in-state rival Stetson in its 2010 home opener at the UCF Softball Complex. The contest is set to get underway at 5:30 p.m., with the first 100 fans through the gate receiving a 2010 UCF softball schedule poster signed by the Knights.
Quick Hits
? Following its win over No. 16 Tennessee and its strong overall showing at the NTC Elite Invitational, the UCF softball team received four votes this week in the USA Today/NFCA Top-25 Coaches Poll for games through Feb. 14.
? UCF holds a 12-5 advantage over Stetson in the all-time series, with the Knights defeating the Hatters in the team's last four meetings. This includes a 4-3 victory in DeLand in 2009.
? Heading into Wednesday's game with the Hatters, both Hillary Barrow and Tiffany Lane have reached base safely in each of the Knights' three contests.
? The Knights hold a 6-4 record in their last 10 games played at the UCF Softball Complex, which includes six wins in its last eight contests on its home turf. When playing in its home opener, UCF is 5-3 all-time, while also outscoring its opponents, 30-18.
? Four of UCF's seven newcomers saw action at the NTC Elite Invitational last weekend, with freshman Marissa Menendez getting the starting nod at first base in all three contests, and junior Ashley Schmitt starting in two contests as the designated player.
? UCF returns 10 letterwinners, including seven starting position players and three pitchers, to the squad in 2010. The Black and Gold also welcomes in seven newcomers to the roster for the campaign.
LAST TIME OUT
The Knights opened their 2010 season at the NTC Elite Invitational, where they posted a 1-2 record. After their first two contest were rained out, the Black and Gold finally hit the field Saturday with a 6-3 win over No. 16 Tennessee. Abby McClain went 3-for-4 at the plate in the contest, while Marissa Menendez knocked in the game-winning RBI with a two-run single in the seventh inning. Later that evening, the Knights suffered their first loss of the season to No. 7 Georgia, 12-0, in five innings. UCF concluded the invitational with a tough 4-2 loss to Chattanooga.
ON DECK FOR THE KNIGHTS
Following Wednesday's contest against the Hatters, the Knights remain at home to host the UCF Invitational, Feb. 19-21. Besides UCF, five additional teams invade Orlando for the event, including South Carolina, North Florida, Villanova, Florida A&M and Troy.
BIG WIN
With their win over No. 16 Tennessee Saturday night, the Knights improve to 5-4 all-time in season-opening contests and evened the all-time series vs. the Lady Vols to 2-2. The win was also the first over a ranked opponent for the Black and Gold since it defeated No. 1 Florida in the 2008 NCAA Regional Semi-Final contest on May 18 at Katie Seashole Pressley Stadium.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Following its win over No. 16 Tennessee and its strong overall showing at the NTC Elite Invitational, the UCF softball team received four votes this week in the USA Today/NFCA Top-25 Coaches Poll for games through Feb. 14. The last time the Knights received votes was in the 2009 Preseason Poll when they garnered eight votes following its appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
SWIPING BASES
With two stolen bases against No. 16 Tennessee on Saturday, sophomore Natalie Land overtook the No. 8 spot and is now tied for seventh on the UCF career record chart with 16 career bases swiped. The speedy infielder needs one more stolen base to claim sole possession of the No. 7 spot, while needing only three more to claim the No. 6 spot.
BIG ARM
In her first start behind the plate of 2010, junior Abby McClain caught two baserunners trying to steal second base in the Knights' contest against No. 16 Tennessee. The catcher has now thrown out 11 baserunners in her career.
SCOUTING STETSON
After hosting the Stetson Leadoff Classic last weekend, the Hatters enter Wednesday's contest with a 1-2 record. Stetson lost two-straight to Marshall (3-2) and Michigan State (8-0), before bouncing back to defeat Missouri State, 5-0. For her efforts on the mound and at the plate during the tournament, senior hurler Amanda Lindsey was named the Atlantic Sun Pitcher of the Week.