April 4, 2015
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By Megan Herboth
UCFKnights.com
TULSA, Okla. (UCFKnights.com) - Sophomore Brittany Solis lifted the No. 16 UCF softball team to a 3-0 win over Tulsa with a three-run homer at the Collins Family Softball Complex on Saturday.
UCF (36-6, 8-1 AAC) claimed the series win over the Hurricane for the first time since 2010 and earned the first series win at Tulsa since 2007.
"The girls really had the energy and motivation to come out and win the series," UCF head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie said. "We knew how tough Tulsa was going to be and we know the goals are for our team for the season. They came out and did a great job today on taking care of business."
The game began as a pitcher's duel, as the teams combined to leave five runners on base through the first five innings. Shelby Turnier tossed a three-hit complete game for her second win of the weekend. She fanned seven batters with just one walk in the game.
"It was really nice to get the final win today to clinch the series," Turnier said. "It made yesterday's 16-inning win even more special. Being able to come back out today and get the win was really awesome."
Solis broke the game open in the top of the sixth inning with a three-run blast over the right center wall. Sophomore Linnea Goodman had given the Knights their first base runner of the inning as she was walked. Senior Kahley Novak reached on a bobbled throw by Tulsa pitcher Emily Watson, putting runners on first and second. UCF had two on and two outs in the inning when Solis delivered her second homer of the season.
"I didn't know it was out," Solis said. "I thought it hit a gap. I felt like I hit it solid and when I saw it go out, I don't even have words to explain it. It was just an amazing feeling."
After the Hurricane ended Turnier's no-hit bid in the bottom of the fifth, Tulsa knocked a hit in the bottom of the sixth inning, but left the runner on first at the end of the inning.
UCF went down swinging in the top of the seventh, bringing up Tulsa's final chance at a comeback. With one out, Jocelyn Sheffield doubled to right center to extend the inning for the Hurricane. A groundout moved Sheffield to third, but Turnier ended the game with her seventh strikeout of the game to give the Knights the series win.
UCF Softball, which is presented by City Kia of Greater Orlando, returns to action on Wednesday, facing Stetson in Deland at 6 p.m. The Black and Gold are back at the UCF Softball Complex on April 11-12, hosting Houston for Alumni Weekend. Former UCF standout Stephanie Best will be recognized during the weekend for being the first softball player to be inducted into the UCF Hall of Fame.