ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The Knights are experienced on the left side of the infield and on Thursday UCFKnights.com takes a look at the players competing at shortstop and third base.
UCF returns an experienced duo in senior shortstop Britany Solis and junior third baseman Courtney Rotton. Redshirt freshman Tamesha Glover has also impressed the coaching staff and is pushing the returners each day.
One of the team's leaders is Solis, a seasoned veteran who has started 180 games at shortstop. She also exercises her leadership as the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC).
"Brittany is definitely a vocal leader," assistant coach Tiffany Jordan said. "She's definitely someone that the coaching staff can rely on to be a second set of eyes."
The West Hills, Calif., native has been a reliable defender, compiling a .945 fielding percentage. Solis ranks inside the top 10 on the program's career charts in sacrifice hits (41), hit by pitch (14) and assists (210).
Another mainstay on the left side of the infield is Rotton, who started 59 games in 2016 at third base. She posted the second-highest batting average (.292) on the team and drove in 26 runs on nine doubles and two home runs.
"Courtney is going to be a major threat for us, offensively and defensively," Coach Jordan said. "She can throw on the run and makes a lot of plays look easy. She needs to continue working hard and focusing on what she wants to achieve for herself and our team."
The member of the NFCA All-Region Third Team tallied a .963 fielding percentage during her sophomore campaign.
Overcoming a season-ending injury as a freshman, Glover has impressed the coaching staff so far with her ability in practice.
"Tamesha is going to be really good and is learning as she goes," Coach Hill said. "She is kind of like a diamond in the rough. She has all these wonderful skills and it's a matter of knocking off some of the dirt and polishing her up."
The Eustis, Fla., native was tabbed to the All-Area First Team as a senior at Eustis High School. She posted a .513 average with 31 RBI and a team-best 12 home runs. Glover also was selected as the school's two-time Offensive Player of the Year.
The Knights have three quality options that can play either shortstop or third base. They will help solidify an infield that consistently ranks in the Top 20 nationally.
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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