ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – On StrikeOut Cancer Knight, UCF used a two-out RBI single by sophomore pinch hitter Cassady Brewer in the sixth inning to post a 2-1 victory over North Florida on Wednesday evening. The Knights brought awareness for cancer research by wearing pink jerseys, which were a part of an in-game silent auction that raised over $1,000 toward the Florida Hospital Cancer Fund.
"I really wanted to get it done for my team, because we had a rough weekend," Brewer said. "It was a lot of fun being able to get the hit for my teammates. I always just want to hit the ball hard."
The Apopka, Fla., native came through in her first official at bat as a pinch hitter. Brewer drew a walk in her first plate appearance as a pinch hitter vs. Tulsa (4/9) last year. She finished that contest by drawing a second walk in addition to a two-RBI single that provided a pair of insurance runs in a 4-1 victory.
"Cassady is a solid hitter and reads the game really well," head coach Renee Luers-Gillespie said. "She knows what she needs to do in those situations. She knows how to handle that and did a great job for us tonight."
The chance was set up by singles from senior right fielder Willow Kalinen and freshman centerfield Kyra Klarkowski. The Knights (17-5) response was swift after the Ospreys (19-14) knotted the contest on a sac fly in the top of the sixth frame.
UCF opened the scoring the first inning. Senior left fielder Linnea Goodman leadoff with a double to left center before an error put runners on the corners. When Kalinen stole second base, Goodman broke for home and crossed the plate on a double steal.
The Knights received a strong start in the circle by freshman Kamryn Toney, who tossed 5.1 innings and yielded one run. The Covington, Ga., native finished with two strikeouts.
"Kam has been working hard in the bullpen," Gillespie said. "Kam wants to get that starting nod. Every time we put her in a game, she has been very effective for us, keeping the ball down. We can see that every time she goes out there, she is getting stronger and more confident."
Freshman Alea White notched her 10th victory of the season by tossing 1.2 innings of relief and striking out one batter.
The ceremonial first pitch was thrown out by Shelby Turnier, who came back to UCF as a UNF assistant coach. Turnier (2013-16) was the first All-American in program history and holds the UCF record for wins (80) and finished her career third all-time in strikeouts (830). The Knights also recognized Stephanie Best, Allison Kime and Natalie Land during a pregame ceremony.
Next Up
The Knights begin a seven-game road trip on Friday with a three-game set at East Carolina. First pitch of the series opener in Greenville, N.C., is set for 6 p.m.
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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