March 1, 2015
UCF Athletics Social Media Directory
By Megan Herboth
UCFKnights.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - Senior Mackenzie Audas tossed a one-hit complete-game shutout to lead the No. 15 UCF Softball team to a 2-0 win over LIU Brooklyn at the Wilson/DeMarini Invitational on Sunday.
After weather delayed the game a day, UCF (14-3) came out strong in an early game at the UCF Softball Complex.
"I think we were a little bit tired over the week, seeing the way we played," UCF head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie said. "The girls still worked hard. (Mackenzie Audas) still had eight strikeouts in the game and worked hard on the mound for us."
Audas (7-0) had a no-hitter through six complete innings, but her bid for a UCF Softball record fifth no-hitter came to an end with a leadoff double in the seventh inning. She finished with eight strikeouts in her third shutout of the season.
"Coming out here at 9 o'clock in the morning, in college you're not really used to those morning games," Audas said. "We had to make sure that we kept our energy up and our focus."
In the bottom of the second, freshman Courtney Rotton drew a walk to lead off. A single from senior Farrah Sullivan put runners on first and second for sophomore Brittany Solis, whose sixth sacrifice hit of the season advanced both runners. A groundout allowed Rotton to score, giving the Knights a 1-0 lead after two innings.
Sophomore Linnea Goodman opened the bottom of the third with a single to center field. A fielder's choice allowed senior Kahley Novak to reach and she put herself in scoring position with a stolen base. A wild pitch moved Novak to third as junior Jessica Ujvari walked. The Knights extended their lead to 2-0 as Novak evaded the rundown to steal home.
UCF drew back-to-back walks to open the bottom of the fifth. Rotton walked for the third time to load the bases with two outs, but the runners were stranded as Sullivan popped up to end the inning.
LIU put a runner on in the top of the sixth, as Alyssa Gospodarek walked, but Rotton caught a line drive at third to keep the Blackbirds scoreless. After giving up the leadoff double in the top of the seventh, Audas came back to retire the next three batters and give UCF its 14th win of the season.
UCF drew six walks in the game, led by Rotton's game-high three. Novak finished the game 1-for-2 with a run scored for the Knights.
UCF Softball, which is presented by City Kia of Greater Orlando, is back at the UCF Softball Complex for the UCF Knights Invitational March 6-8. The Knights open against Kent State at 3 p.m. on March 6.