ORLANDO – While UCF was busy battling No. 2 Arizona Monday afternoon, the American Athletic Conference announced its weekly player and pitcher of the week awards, and the Knights' Gianna Mancha was named Pitcher of the Week for her performance in the Knights' 5-1 win over Kennesaw State on March 6.
Earning her first career conference Pitcher of the Week award, Mancha was nothing short of electric in the series opener against Kennesaw State. Mancha allowed just three hits to the Owls while striking out seven and allowing just one run in the complete game victory.
While the award was being announced Monday afternoon, Mancha was again starting in the circle for UCF, this time against No. 2 Arizona. She tossed another gem, allowing just three hits to the typically potent Wildcats lineup, shutting them out for the first time in 646 days (June 1, 2019 vs then No. 5 Alabama in the Women's College World Series). She allowed just five baserunners in seven innings and her nine strikeouts were the most against Arizona this season, putting her in prime position to be considered for the award again next week.
Mancha finished Monday against the Wildcats with a final line of seven innings pitched, nine strikeouts, three hits allowed and no earned runs to move to 5-1 on the season. The win marked the Knights' first over a ranked opponent this season and it was UCF's first win over a top five opponent since the Knights beat then No. 4 Florida, 1-0, at home on April 4, 2018.
After Monday, Mancha owns a team-low 1.15 season ERA and has 42 strikeouts in 36.2 innings pitched.
UP NEXT
UCF will continue its home stand with a 3:30 p.m. showdown against FIU Thursday, March 11 at the UCF Softball Complex.
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