Feb. 11, 2015
UCF Athletics Social Media Directory
By Megan Herboth
UCFKnights.com
COLUMBIA, S.C. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF Softball team used a four-run first inning to earn a 4-1 win over South Carolina Wednesday afternoon at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field.
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The Knights offense opened with a hot streak, as UCF recorded five consecutive hits in its first at-bat. Senior Kahley Novak led off with a standing triple, and scored on sophomore Linnea Goodman's RBI single up the middle. Junior Jessica Ujvari followed with a single through the right side to put a pair of runners on for junior Samantha McCloskey.
With a 3-2 count, McCloskey sent the ball over the left center field wall for the second consecutive game. Her three-run blast gave the Knights a 4-0 lead. Junior Kalyn Cenal followed with a single to center field for the fifth straight hit in the lineup.
The Black and Gold had chances to extend the lead in the third, as Ujvari drew a walk to lead off and sophomore Willow Kalinen singled through the left side to put a pair of runners on for senior Farrah Sullivan. Sullivan loaded the bases with a single to left field, but South Carolina recorded the third out before the Knights could push any runs across.
The UCF defense kept the Gamecocks scoreless until the sixth inning. South Carolina left the bases loaded in the second and fourth inning, with runners on in the third, sixth and seventh. Junior Shelby Turnier went the distance in the circle, allowing one run on five hits with 11 strikeouts.
UCF Softball is presented by City Kia. The Knights return to action Saturday at the Dot Richardson National Collegiate Softball Invitational. UCF faces No. 17 Missouri at 11:00 a.m. and Arkansas at 6:30 p.m.