TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (UCFKnights.com) - After Gardner-Webb scored an unearned run in the third inning, UCF responded with four runs on three hits and cruised to a 9-1 five-inning victory Saturday at the Easton Bama Bash. Senior right fielder Willow Kalinen drove in a career-high three runs, while two RBI each were registered by senior left fielder Linnea Goodman and junior designated player Courtney Rotton at Rhoads Stadium.
"It was fun to see our hitters make adjustments from the first time through the order to the second time," associate head coach Corrie Hill said. "They have been working really hard on that - learning what the pitchers have for us and what we are going to attack at the plate. They worked hard, put their speed in play and used the entire field from foul line to foul line."
A three-hit complete game was tossed by senior Manami Calixto, who conceded one earned run and struck out three hitters. The Curiba, Brazil, native moved to 2-1 on the campaign.
Slappers Spark the Offense
- The left side hitters that typically use their speed to get on base saw contributions against the Bulldogs by hitting away.
- Junior centerfielder Megan Greenwell went 2-for-2, including a double in the fifth inning, and scored two runs.
- A one-out walk drawn by senior right fielder Willow Kalinen began the four-run rally for the Knights in the third inning.
- The Scottsdale, Ariz., native also brought in a run on a sac bunt in the fourth inning and delivered the walk-off hit on a single up the middle.
- Senior left fielder Linnea Goodman deposited a double down the left field line in the third inning and added an RBI single during the next frame.
- Greenwell also registered an outfield assist for the second time in as many games, cutting down a runner at the plate to end the top of the fourth frame.
"I am so proud of the two slappers that we have. They stood in and hit. Megan, Linnea and Willow have been working so hard on hitting away and have been a little bit hesitant to use it in the games. They did it today and came through with key hits for us."
-Associate Head Coach Corrie Hill
"I have been working on staying patient at the plate. I love drawing walks, sparking the offense and having Tamesha [Glover] hit me over. The walk that I drew provided us with some confidence after they scored in the top of the inning."
-Senior right fielder Willow Kalinen
Knights Notables
- Senior designated player Courtney Rotton delivered a two-run triple, the second of her career, in the third inning to put the Knights in the lead, 3-1.
- A sac fly from junior catcher Cassady Brewer ended the four-run third frame, 4-1.
- Brewer crossed the plate in the fifth inning on a passed ball, 8-1.
- Freshmen third baseman Tamesha Glover and second baseman Aubrey Johnson each picked up a base knock. Johnson also drew a walk to get on base.
- Making her debut as a Knight was freshman Damara Begin, who drew a walk in a pinch hit appearance.
"I love the confidence that our young players are showing. It is great to see them hitting their stride and performing."
-Senior right fielder Willow Kalinen
Next Up
The Knights continue the Easton Bama Bash on Saturday against Texas Tech at 7 p.m. ET. UCF rounds out the three-day event at 2:30 p.m. ET Sunday vs. No. 10 Alabama.
The next home contest for the Knights is set for Friday at 3 p.m. against Providence at the UCF Softball Complex.
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