ORLANDO – As UCF Softball gears up for the 2020 season, they will have four sophomores return and one come in to help lead them on the diamond.
Last week, we took a deeper dive into the incoming freshmen class. You can read that preview in its entirety here.
Collectively, the three returning sophomore position players have hit .268 to this point in their collegiate careers. Breanna Vasquez also made a name for herself in her freshman year, proving to be an integral part to the Knights pitching staff. UCF will need its sophomore class to take yet another step forward in 2020 if they expect to play deep into May.
Let's get to know the sophomore class:
#6 // Tera Testa // OF
Testa saw action in 32 games for the Knights last season, starting 17 of them. In 56 at-bats, she recorded 11 hits, including a multi-hit performance against USF in the War on I-4. The sure-handed outfielder also posted a .958 fielding percentage as she only made one error all year. Expect Testa to contribute to the Knights in a big way in 2020 and beyond, both offensively and with the glove.
#13 // Karissa Ornelas // C
One of two backstops on the Knights' roster in 2020, Ornelas posted solid numbers in 2019 despite playing behind one of the greatest catchers in UCF history in Cassady Brewer. Playing the majority of her games as a designated hitter, Ornelas slashed .284/.326/.333 with 13 RBI. Expect Ornelas's bat to be a bright spot once again in the Knights lineup this season.
#21 // Breanna Vasquez // P
One of the key returners to the UCF staff in 2020, Vasquez brings a strong skill set to the circle that will help keep the Knights in ball games all season long. The righthander started 23 games in her freshman season, posting a 1.72 ERA to guide her to a 11-7 record. She also racked up 115 punchouts while holding batters to a .218 batting average. With her and Alea White in the circle, expect pitching to be one of the Knights' key strengths in 2020.
#23 // Montana Szara // OF
New to The Black and Gold in 2020, Szara comes to the Knights from FIU. As a freshman with the panthers, she played in 33 games, starting 11 of them and hitting .234. She also swiped two bags and hit three extra base hits. The new addition will provide a combination of speed and defense to the Knights for the next several seasons.
#29 // Damaria Cannon // OF
Only four Knights posted a batting average higher than .300 last season, and Damaria Cannon was one of them. In 49 at bats, the outfielder tallied 16 hits, four doubles and a triple. She also posted a .870 OPS, good for 22 total bases. If she continues to progress at the same rate that she has in the past, expect her to be one of the Knights' key sluggers in 2020 and beyond.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS (Purchase Here):
- Adult: $7
- Youth: $5 (ages 2-17)
- Groups (10+): $5 per – call 407-823-1000 to purchase group tickets
- UCF Students: Free with valid I.D.
SEASON TICKETS (Purchase Here):
- $50 Adults
- $25 Youth (ages 2-17)
SPECIAL GAME PRICING:
UCF vs Washington (02/12) and UCF vs Florida (04/01) Pricing:
- Adult: $10
- Youth (ages 2-17) $7
- Groups (10+): $7 per – call 407-823-1000 to purchase group tickets
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