Sept. 18, 2015
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) -- The Citronaut is the UCF women's soccer team's new lucky charm.
Donned in their fauxback uniforms for one night only, the Citronauts/Knights closed their non-conference season with a 3-1 win over Georgetown at Friday's home game.
Senior Ashley Spivey, junior Carol Rodrigues and sophomore Hannah DeBose combined to give their team a 3-0 lead by halftime. Although the Hoyas connected in the 72nd minute, UCF was able to deliver a win to the Citronaut-happy crowd.
"It gave us a little bit of energy I think and it was fun for the crowd. I might want to wear these again, they brought us good luck," UCF head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak said. "It was exciting to see different personalities step up tonight and contribute. There is a persistence about this team, a no-give up attitude."
The Knights are offering fans the chance to purchase their game-worn uniforms. Sales will open to the public Tuesday on UCFKnights.com.
Game of Firsts
? Sophomore Hannah DeBose notched the first goal of her career in the 26th minute when she flicked a header from Madison Barney's free kick.
? DeBose, who was one of the team's leaders for assists last year, also dished her first assist of the season on Ashley Spivey's goal, the first of the game.
? Sophomore Jen Vera notched the first start in her career, stepping in for freshman Katarina Naumanen, who was in Finland with her home country's national team. Naumanen will return in time for the start of conference play next week.
? Roberts Sahaydak was complementary of both Vera and DeBose's performances.
? "Hannah is so capable of scoring goals. She did great for us as a freshman and tactically she's really learning the game now so hopefully that comes with goals, too," she said. "Jen, we found her in our clinic and she was a walk-on last year as a freshman, and she started for us tonight and did an excellent job. I think we need to get her fitness up to play more minutes but she really did her job."
Up Next
? The Knights begin conference play on Sept. 24 against Temple at home.
? UCF is the reigning back-to-back American Athletic Conference regular season champions.
? The Knights hold a 16-1-1 record during league play since joining the American in 2013. Their only loss was recorded against UConn, who will visit UCF on opening weekend for a Sunday 1 p.m. kickoff.
Story by Jenna Marina, Video by Troy Kless