UCF has never been afraid to challenge itself throughout the year in softball. The program pegged this year as the year for it to stand up and take on the big teams throughout the country.
There have been hiccups.
The tougher competition has gotten to pitcher Shelby Turnier at times, although she settles down to give the offense a chance. The offense too though has had trouble with the better pitching after the season-opening surprise. The Knight shave good hitters, but lack power to knock things out. Against the very best, it is tough to string together hits consistently.
No. 2 Florida will test that every time UCF faces its in-state rival. The Gators can throw out three strong pitchers and dominate just about any game they are involved in. These were the kind of games the Knights wanted to begin winning.
In front of the second-largest crowd in team history, UCF settled down and had its chances. The Gators two first-inning runs stood up though in a 3-1 win over the Knights at the UCF Softball Complex.
Turnier pitched all seven innings, giving up five hits and six walks, putting her behind a bit against Florida’s elite lineup. The Gators though could not crack her as the game went on. And UCF’s offense began to rev up against Kelly Barnhill.
Barnhill gave up only three hits, but the Knights got to her in the fifth inning when Jasmine Acevedo singled home Tiffany Lower. That made it a 2-1 game.
Florida changed pitchers in the bottom of the sixth after giving up two hitters to lead off the inning. The Knights loaded the bases with a chance to take the lead and one out. But the Gators’ pitching stood up at the end. Delanie Gourley picked up two strikeouts to get out of the jam.
UCF’s offense was able to get to the door, but could not knock it down.
That has been a theme for the Knights throughout the season. They have been able to stand up with some of the best teams they have played, but not always able to knock it down.
The Knights will have a big series this weekend against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane for control of the American Conference standings in the early part of the season. The experience from these difficult games should be able to help UCF when things get tough.
And, who knows, UCF might see Florida again down the road.
