LONGWOOD, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - UCF softball suffered an extra-inning loss to North Carolina on the final day of the Friends of Jaclyn Invitational, falling 2-0 in eight innings. The loss closed out the Knights opening weekend where they went 3-2 overall.
Both offenses were shutout through seven, but it only took one extra inning for the stalemate to be wiped away by UNC.
With the International Tiebreaker Rule in effect, the Tar Heels jumped at the opportunity of having a runner placed at second to start the inning. A bunt single moved the runner to third, then a single to left field brought home the first run of the game. UNC would grab another run before being retired, taking a 2-0 lead.
UCF attempted to do the same with Hayley Bejaran starting on second, but following Aubrey Johnson's sacrifice bunt, the Knights were unable to score Bejaran or record any additional baserunners.
"It's tough when you go into these tournaments, and you have to play the International Tiebreaker, starting with a runner at second base," said UCF head coach Renee Luers-Gillespie. "But we've practiced for this and understand it is part of the process. I feel for Alea, who was throwing so hard and well, but then she has to start an inning with a runner at second. "
Sunday's game was a pitcher's duel between Alea White and UNC's Brittany Pickett with both throwing a shutout through seven innings and combining for only eight hits prior to the eighth.
"In spite of today's outcome, I am proud of how we played this weekend," Gillispie added. "We fought hard in all five games against some really good teams."
FRIENDS OF JACLYN
Also of note from this weekend's tournament, over $1,000 was raised for the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, which is a not for profit that strives to improve the quality of life for children battling pediatric cancers. More information can be found at FriendsOfJaclyn.org.
NEXT GAME
UCF turns its focus to next weekend, where they will play five again. The Knights first play two at the Disney D-9 Invitational, battling Northern Iowa and LIU-Brooklyn. They then head to the UCF Softball Complex for their home opening weekend against Texas Tech, Florida A&M and Hofstra.