Feb. 20, 2013
UCF Athletics Social Media Directory
By Andrew Jennette
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF softball team was hoping for a better result against Florida State after a heartbreaking walk-off defeat last season. However, the Knights' (5-6) offense was unable to keep pace with a thunderous Seminoles' (8-2) attack as they dropped a 10-3 decision that saw FSU slug four home runs on Wednesday night at the UCF Softball Complex.
Sophomore Mackenzie Audas was uncharacteristically wild as she issued a career-high five walks. The Plant City native also issued three walks in one inning for the first time as a Knight. Audas overall went six innings and allowed eight hits and nine runs to go along with five strikeouts. Freshman Shelby Turnier made her first career relief appearance and struck out two in one inning of work.
UCF's offense tried to pick Audas up as they picked up seven hits, including a 2-for-4 effort from sophomore third baseman Farrah Sullivan. Sullivan is now hitting a team-best .429 for the year. However, the Knights were unable to cash in enough opportunities as they loaded the bases with none out two different times and left them full both times.
We just didn't have it today in any facet of the game, head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie said. Our pitching wasn't sharp, our defense was too spotty and our bats weren't consistent. When you play like we played against a quality team like Florida State, you're going to get beat by a lot. We know we made a lot of mistakes and that we need to correct things before this weekend.
The Knights return to action Friday on the opening day of the NFCA Lead-Off Classic in Clearwater, Fla., against Indiana. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. UCF will play twice Friday and Saturday and once on Sunday.
The Black and Gold have 21 home games remaining at the UCF Softball Complex, with season tickets for the 2013 season costing only $30. Single game and season tickets are available for purchase online at UCFAthletics.com and Ticketmaster.com, or by calling the UCF Athletics Ticket Office at (407) UCF-1000.