ORLANDO – Despite a slow start, a gem on the mound and a monster sixth inning propelled the Knights to victory Saturday night at the UCF Softball Complex as No. 22 UCF took down Kennesaw State 5-1 to move to 11-2 on the year.
The Knights had trouble finding offense early in the game as ECU starting pitcher Melanie Bennett was perfect through 4.1 innings and had a no-hitter going into the sixth. Thankfully, UCF starter Gianna Mancha was matching Bennett's performance with a great game of her own. Mancha allowed just one run to keep her team in the ballgame, and the Knights did not disappoint.
UCF head coach Cindy Ball-Malone pinch hit Allyse Volpe to start off the sixth inning and Volpe delivered, breaking up the no-hitter with a single up the middle and sparking a rally for the Knights that would result in a five-run sixth inning. A shutdown seventh inning for Mancha in the circle would secure the 5-1 win for UCF.
Mancha (4-1) tossed a complete game, allowing just the one run on three hits while striking out seven. Her ERA on the season now is down to 1.42 in 29.2 innings pitched.
"There were a few frustrating moments because I thought we could have done a better job of picking pitches we wanted to hit," said Ball-Malone. "We finally just said, 'look, if we are going to go down, let's go down hard and not guess at pitches.' It was a great time for Volpe to come in and get her second hit of the season… it shows you that you only need to be big in one inning to win games, that's what is awesome about our sport."
Key Moments
- The Owls wasted no time getting on the board as Lexi Solorzano hit an RBI single in the top of the first to give her team the 1-0 lead.
- Kennesaw State starting pitcher Melanie Bennett's perfect no-hitter was broken up in the top of the sixth with a pinch-hit leadoff single from Allyse Volpe.
- With Volpe and Kennedy Searcy on the corners, Georgia Blair ripped a double to left field to give UCF the 2-1 lead.
- A Kennesaw State error allowed another UCF run to come across in the same inning, making it 3-1.
- Still in the bottom of the sixth, Juliana Wilson doubled to center to drive in two more and give UCF the 5-1 lead.
NOTABLES
- After going 0-for-2 with a walk, Jada Cody's 15-game hitting streak was snapped
- With the win, Gianna Mancha moved to 4-1 on the season
- With the win, UCF has won five straight and nine of their last ten
UP NEXT
UCF will continue its home stand with a doubleheader against the Owls Sunday at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. before inviting No. 2 Arizona to town for a Monday afternoon showdown at 3:00 p.m.
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