COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Behind a seven-inning complete game effort from Montana Fouts and consistent offense throughout, the AUSL’s Utah Talons, led by UCF softball head coach Cindy Ball-Malone and new Knights assistant coach Jo Koons, have captured the 2026 AUSL Championship.
“I’m incredibly proud of this group,” Talons head coach Ball-Malone said postgame. “The first time I met all of them in March, I asked them what their mission was, and they said it was to repeat. Job well done. I’m still pinching myself to have had this opportunity, and I’m so blessed.”
AUSL Champs! 🦅 @CoachBallMalone pic.twitter.com/jIr8O6lARI
— UCF Softball (@UCF_Softball) July 26, 2026
The Talons, in their first season under the leadership of Ball-Malone, earned their second AUSL title in as many seasons with a two-game sweep of the Chicago Bandits in the championship series, first earning a 2-1 win Saturday before clinching the series with a 6-1 victory Sunday, July 26.
Ball-Malone and Koons helped lead the squad to a 22-10 overall record in 2026, including nine All-Star selections and the 2026 AUSL Pitcher of the Year in Fouts.
“They just invited me in after having such an amazing season last year,” Ball-Malone continued. “To let me come in and be me and do my thing, and I’m excited to share everything that we learned here and bring it back to Orlando.”
About UCF Athletics
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.