PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (UCFKnights.com) – UCF senior Manami Calixto tossed a gem in a 1-0 loss to No. 8 UCLA on Friday afternoon at the Mary Nutter Classic. The Curiba, Brazil, native threw the entire game and tallied three strikeouts without giving up an earned run.
"The two games today is what we wanted out of coming to California," head coach Renee Luers-Gillispies said. "We had a chance to go nine innings against Cal Poly and pulling out that win gave our players a lot of confidence, knowing that they can stay on the field with anybody. It was a heartbreak against UCLA. We had every opportunity to win that game."
The Knights (3-4) had their opportunities, but stranded three runners on the base paths, including one at third base in the sixth inning.
UCLA (8-1) broke through in the fourth inning on an RBI single by Madeline Jelenicki. The unearned run was set up following an infield miscue, but a caught stealing by freshman catcher Autumn Gillespie kept the Knights within striking distance.
Calling on Calixto
- This was just the second start of the season for Calixto (1-1), who topped Florida A&M in the season opener.
- She kept the UCLA offense off balance, leading to a number of pop flys.
- Junior centerfielder Megan Greenwell made a career-high six putouts in the first three innings.
- A strikeout looking by Calixto in the second inning kept the contest scoreless by stranding a runner at third base.
"[Manami] was able to work in the change up, keeping them off balance. She just did a fantastic job on the mound. I have to say kudos to Autumn [Gillespie]. She really stepped up, called both games and did a great job of a studying the batters, understanding what we needed to do with each one."
-Head Coach Renee Luers-Gillispie
Missed Opportunities
- Junior designated player Courtney Rotton doubled down the left field line in the second inning with one out.
- Senior left fielder Linnea Goodman reached on a bunt prior to sophomore Cassady Brewer singling to left center, but a double play ended the Knights fourth-inning threat.
- A one-out walk drawn by senior shortstop Brittany Solis provided UCF with an opportunity in the sixth inning. Sophomore pinch runner Tiffany Lower moved to third on a two-base wild pitch with one out, but UCLA kept its lead by erasing the runner at the plate.
"We are still learning how to be strong and aggressive at the plate and I think once we turn that corner it is going to be fun to watch us."
-Head Coach Renee Luers-Gillispie
Next Up
UCF continues the Mary Nutter Classic on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET with a doubleheader vs. Cal and Loyola Marymount. All games of the tournament can be watched on FloSoftball, a subscription-based service.
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