ORLANDO – The Knights had it all working Monday afternoon as the offense combined for a seven run performance and a complete game shutout from Alea White sealed the deal to give UCF the 7-0 win over CSUN.
"Alea [White] was dominant today... it's fun to play behind her," said UCF Softball head coach Cindy Ball-Malone. "I like that we will have that momentum as we go into our day off and then we will be able to come back strong [against Cal State Fullerton] on Wednesday."
White was in top form in the contest, running into trouble only in the fourth but striking out the side to keep CSUN off the board. White only allowed two Matadors hits on the day while striking out 11 and picking up her 11th season of the victory.
On the offensive side of the ball, UCF struck early and often, posting four runs in the first inning and padding the lead from there to finish the day with seven total. Juliana Wilson and Jada Cody both recorded multi-hit performances on the day to help the Knights finish with 10 hits total.
With the win, UCF picked up their 20th win on the season.
KEY MOMENTS
- The Knights loaded the bases in the top of the first and Juliana Wilson delivered with an RBI base knock to put UCF up 1-0 early.
- The next batter, Karissa Ornelas, reached on a fielder's choice and a CSUN throwing error allowed two more Knights to cross the plate, extending the UCF lead to 3-0.
- Still in the first, Kyra Klarkowski singled up the middle for an RBI, moving the Knights lead to 4-0.
- Jazmine Esparza kept her hot bat going in the third as she ripped an RBI single back up the middle to extend the Knights' lead to 5-0.
- Called on to pinch hit, Kaitlyn Jensen delivered as she knocked a base hit to right for another UCF run, putting the Knights ahead 6-0 in the third inning.
- The Knights added another run in the fourth courtesy of a Karissa Ornelas RBI double to center field that almost left the park, extending the UCF lead to 7-0.
- The Matadors loaded the bases with nobody out in the fourth but Alea White struck out the side to get the Knights back in the dugout with the 7-0 lead.
NOTABLES
- It was a reunion for coach Bear as she has a history with CSUN. From 2013-2014 Ball-Malone was an Assistant Coach for the Matadors.
- With the win, Alea White picked up her 77th of her career.
- The game marked Whites' 143rd appearance of her career, tying her for second all-time with Shelby Turnier (2013-2016). Mackenzie Audas (2012-2015) holds record with 150 games.
- With the RBI hit in the third inning, Kaitlyn Jensen became the 15th different Knight this season to drive in a run.
- With the win, UCF moves to 20-5-1.
ON DECK
UCF will enjoy an off day on Tuesday before playing in one more game in Califonira against Cal State Fullerton Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET. UCF will then travel to Mississippi for a three-game series with Ole Miss.
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