ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - The No. 8 women's soccer team begins NCAA Tournament action on Saturday, hosting Washington State at 7 p.m. in an First Round matchup at the UCF Soccer Complex.
Tickets to the 7 p.m. matchup are $8 for adults, while admission for college students with a school identification card, youth (2-17) and seniors (55+) is $5. The first 100 UCF students will receive free admission.
Click here to purchase tickets.
KNIGHTS IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT
- UCF (13-1-3) earned its 21st NCAA Tournament berth on Monday, but its first as a two seed.
- Saturday's match marks the 10th time that UCF has hosted at least one NCAA Tournament round.
- The Black and Gold have moved on to the second round in seven of its last nine NCAA Championship tournament appearances.
- The Knights advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2014 and played in the title game in 1982.
KEEPING IT ROLLING
- The Knights enter the NCAA Tournament on a 16-match unbeaten streak.
- UCF has not lost a contest since the season opener on Aug. 18
- The 16-match unbeaten streak is its longest since the 2013 campaign when the Knights posted a school-record 18-match unbeaten streak.
- The Black and Gold outscored opponents 45-8 through the first 17 games, including a 30-3 mark in league play.
- Senior Morgan Ferrara has a team-leading 13 goals on the season, while classmate Kayla Adamek has 10 markers in 2017.
NATIONAL KNIGHTS
- UCF made its return to the United Soccer Coaches poll on Aug. 29, jumping in at No. 24.
- The Knights have been ranked as high as seventh in the poll, and hold the No. 8 spot this week.
- UCF ranks among the top 10 in the country in five statistical categories, including the fifth-best scoring offense.
- Junior Vera Varis has compiled a 0.22 goals against average that leads the nation. The Vantaa, Finland native has allowed just three goals all season.
SCOUTING THE COUGARS
- Washington State brings a 9-7-3 overall record into the NCAA Tournament.
- The Cougars topped No. 2 UCLA on Oct. 19, 1-0, in Pullman.
- Morgan Weaver paces the Washington State offense, with six goals, including four game-winners, on the season.
- Ella Dederick has compiled a 0.75 goals against average for the Cougars this season.
- The programs will meet for the second time on the pitch, with UCF earning a 2-0 victory in 2011.
COLLEGE CUP
The pinnacle of college women's soccer will be co-hosted by UCF and the Central Florida Sports Commission, and held at the new Orlando City Soccer Stadium from Dec. 1-3, 2017. Purchase your tickets by clicking here.
BECOME A PART OF THE WATCH
Membership to Knights Watch, the official supporters group of UCF Soccer, begins at $15 for students and $50 for fans. Packages include tickets to all home contests for men's and women's soccer, a Knights Watch T-Shirt, a soccer scarf and a variety of free catered tailgates. To become a member, click here.
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