Central Florida became the next obstacle in Oklahoma’s way for a return trip to the Women’s College World Series when the Knights won the Orlando Regional. Needing to come back against Michigan on Saturday, to walk it off in extras, UCF made its way to the regional championship where they would end up playing Michigan again. Despite a late rally by the Wolverines, UCF won a bit more comfortably the second time around, 9-4.
Central Florida had never hosted a regional before and now they’re heading to Norman for a first-ever appearance in the Super Regionals. Boasting a 49-12 overall record, the Knights have all the tools to make a dangerous opponent for Oklahoma. Like the Sooners, UCF advanced through the regional unscathed.
Led by Jada Cody (.369) UCF has five players hitting .300 or better on the season. Cody also has home run power, having blasted 14 on the season to lead the team. The top five hitters for the knights have a combined 170 RBI, led by Cody’s 74.
From the circle UCF ace Gianna Mancha has a 1.63 ERA and has fanned 181 batters on the season. She has an 8-2 record and has also picked up two saves on the year. If you’re looking for a potential area of weakness then it might be the depth of the Knights’ pitching staff. Mancha is the only one of UCF’s pitchers to accumulate more than two wins on the season.
The Sooners improved to 52-2 on the season by sweeping through the Norman Regional. Sunday’s 20-0 win over Texas A&M in the regional championship was the largest margin of victory in NCAA Softball Tournament history.
Game times for the Super Regional have yet to be released. The Super Regional round begins on Thursday May 26th.
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