Preview: Infield

ORLANDO, FLA. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF softball team returns several familiar faces in the infield in 2018. The Knights will also welcome several newcomers into the mix.
 
Senior Courtney Rotton and sophomore Jazmine Esparza headline the Knights' veteran presence while true freshman Kaitlyn Jensen looks to come in and make an immediate impact on offense and defense.
 
The Knights' depth chart is still in flux due to the versatility of every player on the roster. The shortstop position is still up for grabs after the graduation of four-year starter Britany Solis.
 
After a fall season that saw several players earn playing time all over the diamond, the Knights head into the spring with their players possessing the schematic advantage of being able to adapt to multiple positions.
 
"Right now, we have quite a few infielders," head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie said. "In the fall, we moved a lot of them into two positions, if not three positions. The versatility and depth of the infield is just fantastic."
 
A two-time all-conference selection, Rotton looks to lead the Knights during her senior season. She showcased her reliability last year by starting all 52 games and was second on the team in RBI (23) and home runs (3). The Clermont, Fla., native also struck out less than anybody else in the lineup. As one of only three upperclassmen on the roster, the coaching staff will look to her to continue to provide a leadership role for the team.
 
Esparza is focused on replicating and improving on a 2017 campaign that earned her a spot on The American's all-rookie team. Defensively, she excelled last year. Taking first base duties down the stretch, she posted an infield-best .995 fielding percentage for the Knights. She was also fourth on the team in RBI (17).
 
As one of five rookies on the team, Kaitlyn Jensen will aim to make an immediate impact after a historic high school career. Possessing one-of-a-kind athletic ability, Jensen was a four-sport athlete in high school and set several records in her career, including the Brevard County home run mark (17).
 
"Kaitlyn is going to play a big role on offense and defense by being versatile for us," assistant coach Trena Prater said.
 
A three-year letter winner at Vierra High school, Jensen earned a pair of All-Space Coast First Team nods. She had a milestone junior year, recording a .597 batting average, batting in 48 runs, and knocking her record-setting 17 home runs. In recognition, she was named the 2016 Florida Today Softball Player of the Year and 2016 Bright House Sports Network Softball Player of the Year.
 
"I see my role as supporting my teammates and leading by example," Jensen Said. "I'm excited about who we are and what we can achieve if we are committed to being better each day."
 
The Knights open up the 2018 campaign on Feb. 9 at the Friends of Jaclyn Invitational. UCF plays Louisville and Butler to get things going on Friday in Winter Springs, Fla.
 
SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the highly-anticipated 2018 softball season are currently on sale. General admission tickets to all 21 home games are priced at $50 for adults and $25 for ages 2-17. Click here or call (407) 832-1000 for additional ticketing information.
 
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