ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - After opening its War on I-4 series with a 2-0 victory, UCF fell in the second contest of the three-game set to conference-rival South Florida, 7-1, Friday evening. Junior centerfielder Megan Greenwell paced the Knights at the plate with a 2-for-3 performance and one RBI, while senior right fielder Willow Kalinen also picked up two base knocks.
UCF (22-19, 6-5 The American) plated its first run following a one-out rally in the fifth inning. It was started with a walk drawn by freshman pinch hitter Ali Little. A heads up play by freshman Aubrey Johnson at second base enabled her to score on a ball Greenwell put in play up the middle, cutting the deficit to 3-1.
The Knights attempted to rally in the bottom of the seventh inning. UCF loaded the bases with no outs on back-to-back singles from Kalinen and shortstop Brittany Solis before a walk was issued to Johnson. Coming through with the Knights' eighth base hit of the game to drive in a run was sophomore catcher Cassady Brewer, but the Black and Gold were unable to continue the threat.
The difference in the contest proved to be a bases loaded two-out triple by the Bulls' Krysten Wyckoff in the second inning. USF (26-20, 5-5 The American) batted around and tacked on four runs in the sixth frame after loading the bases with no outs.
UCF turned a double play in the fourth frame on a groundball hit back to the pitcher freshman Kamryn Toney, who tossed the ball to shortstop Solis. The West Hills, Calif., native then fired a dart to first base to complete the twin killing.
The loss was handed to Toney, who fanned two over four frames and fell to 4-4 on the campaign. Freshmen Damara Begin and Alea White each logged innings in relief for the Knights.
Next Up
The rubber match of the War on I-4 series between UCF and USF is set for 1 p.m. Saturday. Following the contest, the Easter bunny will make an appearance and help conduct an Easter Egg hunt.
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