UCF’s dominance over the American Conference in one form or another is not completely over. But in some fashion it did end Friday.
The Knights’ run through the American Conference Tournament ended with a 4-0 loss to the host Tulsa Golden Hurricane. For the first time in three years, the Knights will not have a share of either the regular season or tournament title. All they will be able to do is wait for Sunday’s NCAA Softball Tournament selection to determine their next game.
UCF’s hitting could not muster enough against Tulsa as Tulsa found a way to get at Shelby Turnier.
Tulsa hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning and then added two more runs in the fifth inning. The Knights could not answer.
Samantha McCloskey led off the bottom of the fourth inning with one of her two hits, but the Knights left the runner stranded at second base.
Turnier pitched five innings, giving up seven hits and four runs with five strikeouts. The reliance on the Knights’ star pitcher had become just a little too much.
UCF managed only three hits with McCloskey picking up two. Linnea Goodman had the other as the Knights just could not create much offense.
The team now awaits its NCAA Tournament fate Sunday night.
The Knights are most likely in. They finished second in the American Conference regular season and posted a 36-20 record. Entering this week, UCF was ranked No. 31 in the RPI. It is almost certain the Knights will get an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament. And likely another trip to either Gainesville or Tallahassee for the regionals next week.
They will find out Sunday at 10 p.m. during the selection show on ESPNU.
