UCF vs Team USA |
ORLANDO – The Knights are set to welcome the world-ranked No. 1 U.S. Women's National Team to the UCF Softball Complex on Tuesday for a 10-inning exhibition beginning at 5:00 p.m. The game will be broadcasted live on ESPN+.
The game will mark UCF's second all-time against the red, white and blue as the Knights lost 1-0 on Feb. 29, 2008 despite a gem on the mound from Allison Kime, who held Team USA to just the one run on three hits while striking out six.
"We are so excited for the opportunity to face the best athletes in the world," said Ball-Malone. "This opportunity is something special because it shows where the game is going and what it can provide, and I think it could be a defining moment for some of our young ladies.
"We're definitely going to try to be competitive and win, but more so just enjoy the experience and competition of playing the best of the best. We represent our university, but these women are representing our nation. So, I think it's going to be cool to see it from that perspective."
Team USA has already played in seven total games so far this season in preparation for the Tokyo Olympic Games, winning all seven. The national team played three-game series with South Florida and the Mexican national team earlier this season, sweeping both, and added to that a 4-0 win over Florida.
With less than fourth months until the Olympics, the national team will continue preparations in a mid-April training camp held at the Jackie Robinson Training Center (JRTC) from April 12-22 in Vero Beach, Fla.
Team USA will take part in a series of workouts and practice sessions in addition to a four-game series against No. 10 Italy and the game against UCF. The games are a part of the 2021 "Stand Beside Her" tour, presented by Major League Baseball (MLB), and will provide much-needed preparation for the Tokyo Olympic Games where the sport of softball returns to the Olympic Stage for the first time since 2008.
"We are very excited for the opportunity to train and compete this month," said Women's National Team Head Coach, Ken Eriksen. "As we know, COVID has limited our training capabilities but I want to thank Coach Ball-Malone at UCF for creating an opportunity for their team to compete against Team USA and also to Team Italy for working with our National Team staff as we both continue our preparations for the Tokyo Olympics."
TICKETS
Tickets for Tuesday's game against Team USA are sold out.
FOLLOW THE KNIGHTS
Stay tuned to UCF Softball on Facebook (/UCFSoftball), Twitter (@UCF_Softball) and Instagram (@UCF.Softball) for the latest on the UCF Softball team.
GET THE APP
Never miss any UCF Knights news from your favorite team by downloading the free UCF Knights app right to your iOS or Android phone! The app provides personalized information for men's and women's teams, scores, schedules, loyalty programs and even breaking news. Download the app here.