ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - UCF started its final home series with a 3-1 advantage after four frames, but UConn used a fifth-inning grand slam by Cloe Kerns and three-run homer by Valerie Sadowl in the seventh inning to hand the Knights an 8-3 loss on Friday evening.
Both run-scoring innings for the Knights (23-21, 7-6 The American) were started by senior right fielder Willow Kalinen, who went 2-for-3 with two runs scored against UConn (16-26, 2-10 The American). The Scottsdale, Ariz., native beat out a bunt single in the second inning, stole second base and scored the first run of the game on a double to right center by senior left fielder Linnea Goodman.
Kalinen sparked a rally in the fourth frame with a triple to the fence in right center. The next batter senior shortstop Brittany Solis doubled down the left field line to put UCF up, 2-1. Freshman second baseman Aubrey Johnson poked a single over the first baseman's head to push the advantage to 3-1.
With one out in the fifth inning, the Huskies turned the momentum in their favor after consecutive singles through the infield and a blooper dropped in shallow right field. Kerns put UConn on top with the grand slam.
With the deficit at 5-3 in the seventh inning, senior shortstop Brittany Solis fielded a hard-hit groundball and turned a double play. UConn continued to threaten with a pair of hits before Sadowl's blast.
The Knights had their chances throughout the contest, but left nine runners on base, including the bases loaded in the first inning.
Next Up
UCF continues its series against UConn on Saturday at 2 p.m. The Knights will recognize their four seniors, Manami Calixto, Linnea Goodman, Willow Kalinen and Brittany Solis, following their final game at the UCF Softball Complex on Sunday at noon.
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