#SB Falls 5-3 to UCF

Wednesday, April 2

4 p.m.

University of North Florida

19-18

UCF

25-11

UCF

North Florida

Photo by: Todd Drexler

4/2/2014 6:33:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: North Florida Athletics

Boxscore (PDF)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – University of North Florida softball scored first, but was unable to hold off UCF dropping a 5-3 decision on Wednesday afternoon at the UNF Softball Complex.

The Ospreys jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Danica Mandarano, who started the Osprey offense with a lead-off double and then advanced to third on a wild pitch, tallied the game's first run as Ashley Holton drilled a single to left field. Holton eventually scored during the inning's second wild pitch to give the Ospreys their two-run advantage.

However, UCF responded with three runs off five hits in the top of the second to take a one-run lead. Jessica Ujavari and Kalyn Cenal hit back-to-back two-out singles that allowed the Knights to tie the score. Meanwhile, UCF took advantage of an Osprey error to go up 3-2 as Kaitlyn Steckel crossed home.

The Knights added to their lead in the third. With the bases loaded, Cenal was hit by a pitch, allowing Mariah Garcia to score. In the next at-bat, Samantha McCloskey scored on a fielder's choice to put UCF ahead 5-2

UNF cut the deficit down to two in the fifth. The Ospreys took advantage of a fielding error by the Knights in the outfield that allowed Lexi Taylor to get home from first and make it 5-3.

Kayla Goff had the loss after allowed three runs – two earned – off four hits in 1.2 innings. She also struck out four batters.

Mackenzie Audas allowed three runs – one earned – off five hits and struck out 10 in 7.0 innings in order to get the win.

Mandarano and Holton were both 2-for-4 from the plate with one run scored. Holton also added an RBI.

Garcia was 2-for-4 with two runs scored for the Knights.

UNF returns to action this weekend against cross-town rival Jacksonville in the SunTrust River City Rumble at the UNF Softball Complex. The series begins on Saturday at Noon. Saturday will also be Senior Day in which the Ospreys recognize Mandarano, Holton, Cortney Radke, Marissa Thomas and Mariah Reynolds for their contributions to the program. Admission to all UNF home softball games is free.