ORLANDO – The No. 23 UCF softball team couldn't get the bats going Friday night against No. 25 Wichita State as the Knights were held to no runs on just one hit, falling 7-0 to the Shockers at the UCF Softball Complex in Orlando, Florida.
With the loss, UCF moves to 30-10 on the season and 9-4 against AAC opponents.
"That just wasn't who we are, but we have three more games to be us and get back into it. We talked about how we are going to respond and what we are going to do and to leave that game at that game," said head coach Cindy Ball-Malone."
Wichita State starting pitcher Bailey Lange was masterful in the circle for the Shockers, tossing the complete game shutout and holding the otherwise potent UCF offense to just one hit. Lange shut out the UCF offense for the first time since April 26, 2019 (Houston, 3-0).
"I can't remember the last time we were shut out. [Lange] had a great pitching performance against us, and that happens sometimes. These are things we need to go through before the end of the season. I know we're a tough lineup to get through, no matter who's in the circle, so if we stick to our game and our approach, we are going to be okay," said Ball-Malone.
Coach Ball-Malone utilized three different pitchers, calling on Gianna Mancha to start, who tossed 5.1 innings, allowing four earned. Mancha was credited with the loss, moving her to 10-4 on the year. She was relieved out of the bullpen by Cassidy Cangemi, making her first appearance of the season, and Grace Jewell. The pair combined for 1.2 innings, allowing two more Wichita State runs.
The Knights will continue their series with No. 25 Wichita State on Saturday as the two sides are set for a doubleheader beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Key Moments
- The Shockers loaded the bases in the top of the second but Gianna Mancha induced an infield pop up to escape the jam and keep the game tied at zero.
- With the bases loaded in the top of the third, Wichita State second baseman Kaylee Huecker hit a double to straight away center field, scoring two to put the Shockers up 2-0.
- Wichita State added two more off a double to left center to score two in the top of the sixth, making it a 4-0 game.
- Another Shockers run would come around to score on a sacrifice-fly later in the sixth, extending their lead to 5-0.
- A two-run home run from Shockers' designated player Lauren Mills in the top of the seventh would give Wichita State the 7-0 lead.
NOTABLES
- The series opener between No. 23 UCF and No. 25 Wichita State was the first top 25 matchup in American Athletic Conference softball history.
- The game was the first time UCF and Wichita State have squared while both ranked in the top 25.
- The Knights have not been shut out since April 26, 2019 (Houston, 3-0)
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