ORLANDO – UCF Softball is less than two weeks away from kicking off its 19th season as a program under second-year head coach Cindy Ball-Malone. As the Knights conduct their final pre-season practices, eight juniors are on the roster ready to go as they are looking to make a splash in The American.
With four newcomers and four returners suiting up in The Black and Gold, each player brings a unique skillset that will benefit UCF in 2020 and beyond. Among the group are three outfielders, four infielders and a pitcher.
Let's take a deeper dive into each junior on the Knights' roster this season, but first, if you would like to read the freshmen or sophomore player previews, you can do so here:
- Freshmen Preview
- Sophomore Preview
Now, let's break down the junior class:
#2 // Hayley Bejarano // OF
Hayley Bejarano enters her third season with The Black and Gold with a new familiar face on the team this season in her cousin Madelyn Bejarano, one of the seven incoming freshman this year. Bejarano saw action in 27 games last season, starting 11 of them. In 40 at bats, she recorded eight hits, including one double. The versatile Bejararno split time between outfield and first base last season and is expected to be in a similar role again this season. Bejarano brings a mix of on-field athleticism and character to the team that is sure to help lead the Knights to a strong finish in 2020.
#5 // Denali Schappacher // OF
One of the best pure hitters on the Knights offense over the past several season, Schappacher has hit at least .320 in every year of her collegiate career. Her freshman season was one for the books as the lefty slashed .340/.394/.415 from the leadoff spot to be named to the American Athletic Conference first team and All-Rookie team. The outfielder has 25 multi-hit games in her time with UCF. Expect 2020 to be no different. With a combination of speed and pure hitting ability, Schappacher is primed to be at the top of the Knights lineup again in 2020.
#6 // Takiya London // SS
A sure thing up the middle, London came to the Knights in 2019 after spending her freshman year at the nearby College of Central Florida, where she posted a .406 batting average and a .802 slugging percentage. Last season, London split time at shortstop with Aubrey Johnson, starting 25 games at the position while also getting some time in at second and third base. In 83 at bats, London compiled 21 hits, including two home tuns and seven doubles. Expect the power to be there again for London this season as she looks to secure a spot up the middle and help lead the Knights to another strong season.
#8 // Gianna Mancha // P
One of 12 new faces to the Knights this season, Gianna Mancha comes from Boise State to provide some depth to the UCF roster in 2020 and beyond. In 2019, Mancha tossed 114.1 innings for the Broncos, going 12-8 and posting a 3.18 ERA. She struck out 67 batters and added a save. She brings a career 2.83 ERA to UCF, where she will face some friendly competition in the form of Alea White and Breanna Vasquez.
#12 // Justene Molina // IF
Another new addition to UCF in 2020, Molina also comes to the Black and Gold after having spent her first two seasons at Boise State. In two seasons with the Broncos, Molina slashed .241/.320/.339 with two home runs. An infielder by trade, Molina brings a solid defensive asset to the Knights. In her career, she has posted a .954 fielding percentage, 95 assists and 111 putouts. Molina also brings a speed aspect to UCF as she swiped nine out of 10 bags for the Broncos in 2018. Expect Molina to be a solid piece for the Knights that they can plug in around the infield and feel good about.
#14 // Kasey Fava // OF
Coming to the Knights from Stetson, Fava was named to the ASUN Honor Roll and started in 35 of 42 games for the Hatters, splitting time between right field and designated player during her sophomore year in 2019. With seven multi-hit games and 14 stolen bases, she recorded a total of 26 hits and 13 runs scored. Starting all 51 games and netting a 10-game hitting streak in her freshman year, the outfielder from Sanford, Fla. also banked experience in center field. Expect Fava's success in the classroom and on the field to continue into the new year.
#25 // Georgia Blair // IF
Hailing from Gold Coast, Australia, Blair joins the Knights after two strong season at San Jose State. Clocking time on the Australian National Team and with the Spartans, she brings an impressive round of stats to the Knights' roster. Starting 40 of 46 games played in her sophomore year, Blair had 12 multi-hit games, the second most on the team, with a season-high three versus St. John's (2/23) and at Santa Clara (2/28). Recording 252 putouts, three assists, and only two errors in 257 chances, she finished with a near perfect .992 fielding percentage. This high caliber of play has been a staple in Blair's career, and is expected to be an essential asset for the Knights over the next two season.
#33 // Kaitlyn Jensen // IF
A standout infielder in two seasons with The Black and Gold, Jensen posted a .975 fielding percentage over 79 games in her sophomore year. Seeing action in all but four of the Knights' 55 games her freshman campaign, Jensen was the fastest freshman in program history to reach 6 homers in a season. She added another last year after only seeing 40 at bats. Expect Jensen to make big strides and be a leader both on and off the field for the Knights this season.
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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