May 12, 2016
Final Stats
No. 25 UCF - UConn AAC stats
TULSA, Okla. (UCFKnights.com) -- Senior Shelby Turnier set a UCF Softball record as she led No. 25 UCF Softball to a 3-2 victory over UConn in the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference Championships. Turnier posted the 79th victory of her career as the Knights advanced to the semifinals at the Collins Family Softball Complex.
"Shelby did a fantastic job today on the mound," head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie said. "I think it was defense the kept us in the game. Definitely offensively, we've got to come out stronger in the next game."
Turnier struck out 13, allowing just three hits in seven innings of work. Sophomore Courtney Rotton went 2-for-3 at the plate with a run scored.
The Knights (36-19), who are the No. 2 seed in the tournament, advance to the semifinals for the third consecutive year.
Success For Shelby
? Shelby Turnier tossed a complete-game gem to lead her team to the semifinals for the third straight season.
? The Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., native earned the win in the circle, pushing her career total to 79 victories. She claimed sole possession of the UCF Softball career record.
? The right-handed hurler retired 13 Huskies, marking her first double-digit strikeout performance since fanning 10 at UConn on April 1. Her outing marked the most postseason strikeouts by a UCF pitcher in program history.
Turnier on setting the victories record: "I didn't even realize that! It feels awesome! It's awesome to have that record, put my name in the books like that my senior year. I'm just glad that we came out with another win today and we're moving further into the postseason."
Scoring Early
? The Knights used a three-run first inning to jump out to the early lead over the Huskies.
? Freshman Cassady Brewer drew her 30th walk of the season with one out in the frame to give UCF its first base runner. Senior Jessica Ujvari took a pitch to the elbow to put a pair of runners on, and Courtney Rotton singled up the middle to load the bases.
? With two outs and Knights all around, senior Kalyn Cenal took a pitch to the hip, walking in the first run of the game. Junior Brittany Solis sent the second run across the plate as she took a pitch to the elbow.
? Senior Jasmine Acevedo pushed the third run across with an RBI single to the shortstop, giving the Knights a 3-0 edge after the first inning.
? A two-run homer in the top of the seventh pulled the Huskies within a run, but Turnier's 13th strikeout of the contest secured the Black and Gold victory.
Next up
The Knights advance to the semifinals, facing the winner of the East Carolina -- Tulsa contest, which is slated for a 6 p.m. ET start. The teams will play at 3:30 p.m. CT/ 4:30 p.m. ET at the Collins Family Softball Complex.
Story by Megan Herboth; Photos by Nate Blythe