April 23, 2016
Final Stats
UCF - Memphis Game 2 stats
UCF vs. Memphis - Game 2 (4/23/16) - Images by UCF Knights
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) -- The UCF softball team used a four-run fifth inning to cut into the Memphis lead, but the Tigers prevailed, 5-4, in American Athletic Conference action at the UCF Softball Complex on Saturday.
"We had opportunities for aggressive outs that we didn't take," head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie said. "We need to be a little more aggressive defensively."
UCF (30-16, 7-2 The American) recorded nine hits in the game, with six of those coming in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Memphis took the early lead on a two-out, bases-clearing double in the top of the second. The Tigers held a 3-0 advantage over the Knights heading to the top of the fourth. The visitors plated a pair of runs in the fourth to push their lead to 5-0.
The Knights used a fifth-inning rally to chip away at the Memphis lead. With one out in the inning, senior Kalyn Cenal singled up the middle, bringing in senior pinch runner Kirsten Foster. Redshirt junior Jasmine Acevedo's double to left center sent Foster home, making it a 5-1 game. Acevedo came around to score on a groundout, cutting the lead to 5-2.
Junior Brittany Solis added to the Knights' score with an RBI single up the middle. Sophomore Courtney Rotton followed with a single through the right side, and senior Jessica Ujvari made it three straight hits with a base hit through the left side. Ujvari's hit scored Solis, cutting the Memphis lead to one, 5-4.
Senior Shelby Turnier and the UCF defense retired the Tigers in order in the final two innings, but the offense was unable to pull the Knights even. Memphis withstood the UCF rally and held on for a 5-4 victory.
"We had a big inning in that fifth inning, but we waited a little too late to bust it open with the bats," Solis said. "But I think it shows a testament to our team that we don't give up, even if we're down five runs like we were today."
Eight Knights recorded a hit in the game. Brittany Solis went 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI and a run scored. Junior Manami Calixto (9-1) tossed 3.2 innings, allowing just two earned runs with four strikeouts. Senior Shelby Turnier came in for the final 3.1 innings, fanning five batters and allowing just one hit.
Next up
The Knights close the series against the Tigers on Sunday.. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the UCF Softball Complex. Seniors Shelby Turnier and Jasmine Acevedo's Senior Knight trading cards will be available at the game.
Story by Megan Herboth; Video by Conor Engelhardt; Photos by Brad Helton