Feb. 14, 2015
UCF Athletics Social Media Directory
By Megan Herboth
UCFKnights.com
CLERMONT, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - A five-run sixth inning propelled the UCF softball team to a 6-1 win over Arkansas Saturday evening at the Dot Richardson National Collegiate Softball Invitational in Clermont. At 7-0, the Knights have matched the best start in school history.
"I was really proud of the team," UCF head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie said. "Arkansas took the early lead but we kept our composure. We kept playing our game and it paid off later in the game."
Arkansas took an early 1-0 lead on a UCF fielding error, but junior Samantha McCloskey pulled the Knights in the top of the fourth. The Palm Harbor, Fla., native's third home run was a solo shot over the center field wall to make it a 1-1 game.
"It felt great to hit the home run. Tying the game definitely gave us a spark," McCloskey said. "It gave us that momentum to have that five-run inning."
Junior Jessica Ujvari drew a walk to open the sixth inning, which McCloskey followed with a double to right field. With pinch runners on second and third, junior Kalyn Cenal's RBI single gave the Knights a 2-1 lead. A fielder's choice put sophomore Willow Kalinen on base, but the throw home was behind senior Maddy Schroeder, extending the lead to 3-1. The Knights plated five runs on three hits and three Razorback errors.
Senior Mackenzie Audas earned her third complete-game win of the season. She struck out 14 batters, allowing just three hits and two walks. Arkansas' lone run of the game was unearned.
UCF Softball is presented by City Kia. The Knights close out the weekend against No. 13 Minnesota at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.