ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – Five sophomores with a year of collegiate softball under their belt are ready for another season with two infielders and three outfielders ready to gain more experience. Four of the five return from last season, while the Knights have added Takiya London from the College of Central Florida.
Together, this group of players has a combined .277 batting average except for returner Kendyl Lange who was primarily used as a pinch runner her freshman season. They have also accumulated 165 hits and 142 runs scored with London leading the way with 80 of each during her only season with the Patriots.
The Sophomores:
Hayley Bejarano
Bejarano saw action in 38 games last season primarily as the designated player or a pinch hitter. She also spent 16 games in the outfield with a perfect fielding percentage and throwing out four runners. Look for Bejarano to use her impressive skills in the outfield to make a positive impact for the Black and Gold.
Kaitlyn Jensen
The power-hitting righty started off her freshman season on fire hitting six home runs faster than any other freshman in program history. She hit two homers against No. 23 Long Beach State to propel the Knights to a 3-0 victory. Jensen appeared in 51 games her rookie year spending most of her time at shortstop posting a .937 fielding percentage. This preseason, Jensen is back taking reps in the infield and at the plate as she will be an offensive weapon for UCF.
Kendyl Lange
Lange has put in the hours in the offseason as she battles for a starting spot in the outfield. Last season, Lange was the teams top pinch runner scoring 14 runs making 31 appearances. Her strong arm in the outfield will be a positive addition for UCF along with her speed on the bases. Lange also adds her expertise as a left-slapper to the lineup and will team up well with Denali Schappacher.
Takiya London
2019 will be London’s first season as a Knight and brings over an impressive resume from her freshman year with the Patriots. In 63 games London hit .406 with an .802 slugging percentage sending 19 balls over the fence, which was top-10 in the nation last year. London also collected 68 RBI off four triples and 13 doubles equally 158 total bases. The Chiefland, Fla., native led the Patriots to a 53-12 record and was honored as an All-American by the NFCA.
Denali Schappacher
Schappacher is back after her superb rookie season leading the team with a .340 batting average and grabbing All-Rookie and All-Conference First Team honors by the American Athletic Conference. Schappacher played in all but one game for UCF, starting 53 of them splitting time between right and left field. The lead-off hitter also paced the team in total hits with 50 and was second on the team in stolen bases with nine. Defensively, Schappacher threw out five runners with arguably one of the strongest arms in the conference among outfielders.
TICKETS FOR 2019
Fans can purchase tickets for the 2019 UCF softball season by calling (407) 823-1000 or online here: https://ucfknights.co/2RYIOhq. Single game tickets go on sale February 1.
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