ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - UCF scored five runs in the first inning and held an advantage on the scoreboard till the seventh frame before Houston pushed across eight runs to level the series, handing the Knights an 11-5 defeat on Saturday at the UCF Softball Complex.
The Knights were led by 3-for-4 performances from senior shortstop Brittany Solis and freshman designated player Kyra Klarkowski, who drove in three runs with a bases-clearing double in the first inning. Two-hit games were tallied by senior centerfielder Megan Greenwell, junior third baseman Courtney Rotton and freshman catcher Autumn Gillespie.
Striking First
- The Knights used infield singles by senior left fielder Linnea Goodman and junior centerfielder Megan Greenwell to spark a first-inning rally.
- After junior third baseman Courtney Rotton drew a walk, freshman second baseman Aubrey Johnson came through with a single up the middle to put UCF on the board.
- A clutch two-out double into the gap in right center by freshman designated player Kyra Klarkowski cleared the bases, stretching the lead to 4-0.
- The five-run frame was capped with an RBI single down the right field line by senior shortstop Brittany Solis.
Tough Finish
- The Knights left 11 runners on the base paths and had numerous opportunities to extend their lead, while recording a game-high 15 hits.
- After freshman pitcher Alea White worked out of a one-out bases loaded jam in the top of the sixth frame, back-to-back one-out singles were tallied by juniors centerfielder Megan Greenwell and third baseman Courtney Rotton, but UCF was unable to capitalize on the chance.
- The Cougars loaded the bases on a pair of singles and a hit batter in the seventh inning. Then, they batted around scoring eight runs on six hits to take control of the game, 11-5.
Next Up
UCF completes its three-game series with Houston on Sunday at noon. Fans can play softball bingo and pick up the final set of player trading cards.
The Knights conclude their 19-game homestand on Wednesday at 5 p.m. vs. North Florida. The contest will serve as the team's Strikeout Cancer day with a number of promotions on tap to bring awareness to cancer research.
Season tickets for the 2017 campaign start at $50 for adults and $25 for youth (ages 2-17). For more information about season and individual game tickets, click here.
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