Categories: College University Athletics

UCF University Softball Prepares for Key Matchup in DeLand

The UCF Knights softball team preparing for a key matchup against Stetson.

News Summary

The UCF Knights softball team is gearing up for a crucial road game against the Stetson Hatters in DeLand. With their current ranking at No. 31 and the Hatters presenting a significant challenge, this midweek game is vital for UCF’s NCAA Tournament aspirations. The Knights recently achieved a stunning victory over No. 21 Oklahoma State, showcasing strong performances from the offense and pitching staff. As they head into this matchup, UCF’s past success against the Hatters could play a crucial role in their preparation and strategy.

UCF Softball Gears Up for a Crucial Showdown in DeLand

Orlando is buzzing with excitement as the UCF Knights softball team prepares to face off against the Stetson Hatters in a pivotal midweek road game. This matchup, set to take place in DeLand, is not just another game on the schedule; it’s a significant opportunity for the Knights to bolster their NCAA Tournament resume. With Stetson boasting the highest RPI of any remaining regular-season opponent for UCF at 66, this game carries extra weight.

Soaring Rankings and Impressive Records

The Knights are currently ranked No. 31 in the nation and hold a solid record of 26 wins, 20 losses, and 1 tie, sitting six games above the .500 mark. This season, UCF has already made waves by snagging victories against five teams ranked in the RPI top 25, alongside six wins against nationally-ranked opponents. This remarkable performance includes a thrilling recent triumph against No. 21 Oklahoma State, where UCF displayed their offensive prowess by racking up a whopping 12-6 victory.

In that electrifying contest against Oklahoma State, the Knights unleashed a stunning offensive display, scoring an incredible nine runs in the first inning—a feat they haven’t achieved since February 2020. Leading the charge, junior infielder Aubrey Evans hit a grand slam during the early scoring spree, marking her sixth home run of the season. The team’s offense was relentless, and they even managed a season-high nine walks throughout the game.

Aubrey Evans Shines Bright

It’s hard not to spotlight Aubrey Evans, who has been nothing short of a sensation on the field lately. Over the last ten games, she has been hitting an impressive .375, showcasing her talent with an on-base percentage of .474 and a slugging percentage of .656. During the Knights’ previous encounter with the Hatters, Evans also made an impact, hitting a two-run home run that helped secure a 4-2 victory.

Strong Pitching and Team Resilience

UCF’s pitching lineup has been equally commendable. Senior Kaitlyn Felton pitched a complete game against Oklahoma State, marking her ninth full game this season. Additionally, freshman Yessenia Lopez displayed her skills by tossing 7.1 innings across two games in the series against Oklahoma State, holding opposing batters to a mere .125 average.

Beyond the wins, the Knights have shown a commitment to community engagement, highlighted during their Autism Awareness and Acceptance Game, where they celebrated with a 4-0 shutout victory against No. 3 Florida. In that game, pitcher Isabella Vega achieved a standout performance with a complete-game shutout, making her the fifth UCF pitcher to accomplish such a feat against the Gators.

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

As the team sets their sights on the upcoming game against Stetson, their all-time record against the Hatters stands at an impressive 21-9, with the Knights holding a 3-1 record under head coach Cindy Ball-Malone. The game is shaping up to be an exciting affair, scheduled for 6 p.m. and set to be streamed live on ESPN+. Following the Stetson matchup, the Knights will be heading to Waco, Texas, to kick off a three-game series against Baylor, starting with the first pitch at 7:30 p.m. ET.

With fans eagerly anticipating what’s in store, there’s no doubt that the UCF softball team is committed to making every game count as they chase their NCAA Tournament dreams. The time is now for the Knights to showcase their skill and potential, inching closer to their goals, one game at a time.