TULSA, Okla. (UCFKnights.com) - No. 25 UCF Softball's run at the American Athletic Conference Championships came to an early end on Friday afternoon. The Knights dropped a 4-0 decision to Tulsa in the semifinals at the Collins Family Softball Complex.
The UCF defense kept Tulsa off the scoreboard for the first three innings, but a base hit to left field and two-run homer gave the Golden Hurricane a 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth.
Senior Samantha McCloskey produced the first of her two hits as the leadoff in the bottom of the fourth, but sophomore pinch runner Megan Greenwell was left stranded at first base.
Tulsa doubled its lead in the top of the fifth, using two hits to score a pair of runs. The Golden Hurricane led 4-0 heading to the sixth inning.
With two outs and a 2-2 count, McCloskey swung her bat and hustled down the base line to extend the inning, but was unable to cut into Tulsa's lead.
The Knights were retired in order in the bottom of the seventh as Tulsa advanced to The American Championship game.
Next up
The Knights will learn their NCAA fate on Sunday evening as the Black and Gold are hopeful for an at-large berth. UCF looks to make the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year. The NCAA Selection Show starts at 10 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
