A 4-1 win against South Carolina moves the Black and Gold into the second round of the NCAA Regional for the first time since 2010.
Senior Maddy Schroeder brought in an RBI single on a bases-loaded situation in the 4th inning, allowing Jessica Ujvari to tally Friday’s first score. A hit to shortstop and a close, but safe, run to first kept Schroeder on base, who would then claim UCF’s fourth and final run of the game. A pitching error from the Gamecocks allowed UCF to bring in two more runs, increasing the score to 3-0 in favor of the Knights, alluding to the win.
“Honestly, I just put the ball on the ground and it was just tunnel vision to first base. Really, my main goal was just putting it into play, cause havoc, and that’s what happened,” Schroeder said on her single.
South Carolina closed the chances of another UCF shutout at the top of the 7th, where junior Alaynie Page scored on a double, but it would be too late. A February meeting between the two ended with a 4-1 victory for UCF. The Gamecocks loaded bases and made opportunities in both games but were unable to pull through.
Friday’s win improves the Knights’ overall score to 49-7, tying a record for the most wins in program history.
“I’m very proud of our girls, just how we came out and to work today… The bottom of our line-up is having some great opportunities and pressure on the defense,” said UCF head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie.
UCF will face the winner of the No. 1 Florida State v. No. 4 Dartmouth game on Saturday at 10 a.m.
