ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – UCF has six talented infielders that have trained on either the left side or the right side of the diamond. On Tuesday, UCFKnights.com begins its breakdown of the team with the trio - sophomore Cassady Brewer and freshmen Aubrey Johnson and Jazmine Esparza - learning the intricacies of first and second base.
UCF has consistently been ranked among the top 25 nationally in fielding percentage and finished No. 9 in the country last season at .975.
The Knights relied on true freshman Cassady Brewer at second base in 2016. She posted a .238 average with two homers, a team-leading 32 walks and 23 RBI, while compiling a .970 fielding pct.
"You could see that she was getting better each day," assistant coach Tiffany Jordan said. "Cassady is one of those players who wants to prove you wrong. She's only going to get better the more she matures on the field."
The Apopka, Fla., native found her stride during conference play. She paced the league with a .455 batting average and .547 on-base percentage, while tallying eight multi-hit and five multi-RBI games to earn American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year. Brewer also earned All-Conference First Team and Freshman Team accolades.
A pair of freshmen in Johnson and Esparza are pushing for playing time just like Brewer did a year ago.
Esparza, one of four California players on the squad, has the athleticism and quickness to be a tremendous threat. She earned MVP honors as a junior at Grandad Hills High School in Sylmar, Calif., and also posted the best slugging percentage that season.
"Jazmine brings a lot of understanding for the game and an incredible work ethic," Hill said. "She is learning how to do each rep at full speed, which is something I believe she will master quickly."
The Knights also have another talented freshman that has practiced on the right side in Johnson. The Muskogee, Okla., native hit 29 home runs and earned All-State accolades following her senior season at Muskogee High School.
"Aubrey is going to surprise some people," Hill said. "She has some surprising power at the plate, but she gets really good exit velocity and acceleration through the backside of her swing."
All three of these player could find themselves in the lineup on any given day with their versatility. Brewer also has the ability to setup behind the plate, while any of the trio could serve as an extra bat in the lineup as a designated player.
SEASON OPENER
The Knights are preparing for the season-opening doubleheader on Feb. 10 at 3:30 p.m. against Florida A&M and Pittsburgh. The four-team UCF Knights Invitational also features Kentucky, who the Knights play on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets, which includes admission to all 28 home contests, can be purchased for $50. Youth packages are also available for fans ages 2-17 for $25. For more information about ticket options, click here.
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