In a thrilling display of resilience, the UCF softball team staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Jacksonville State 2-1 in extra innings, advancing to the winner’s bracket of the Tallahassee Regional on Friday.
The Knights faced a daunting challenge against Gamecocks pitcher McKenna Moore, the Conference USA Pitcher of the Year, who dominated through nearly seven innings. UCF managed just four hits and left nine runners stranded heading into the bottom of the seventh, trailing 1-0.
But momentum shifted when designated hitter Kendall Yarnell laced a double, followed by catcher Beth Damon’s clutch single that drove in pinch runner Kalista Birkenstock to knot the game at 1-1. The Knights had new life.
In the bottom of the eighth, second baseman Sierra Humphreys scored the winning run on a single by third baseman Coco Jaimes, sealing the 2-1 victory.
“What an incredible game. Such a fun game to be a part of,” said UCF coach Cindy Ball-Malone. “It all came down to dominant pitching, routine defense and clutch hitting. I’m extremely proud of our team and our women for staying the course and solving the puzzle there at the end.”
Jaimes credited her preparation for the game-winning hit: “Before the at-bat, Coach Bear told me to be ready because I was going to be in the same position I was in the previous inning. So just being prepared to do my assignment, to do my job and whatever the team needed of me.”
The Knights’ pitching staff also stepped up. Freshman left-hander Reagan Vokoun started but struggled, walking the first two batters on eight pitches in the top of the first. She was quickly replaced by fellow freshman right-hander Tori Payne, who escaped the jam. Isabella Vega (18-8) earned the win with two innings of relief.
Jacksonville State struck first when catcher Makalyn Kyser blasted a solo home run on a 3-2 pitch in the top of the second, her team-best 11th homer of the season. Moore (16-2) took the loss despite throwing a 130-pitch complete game, allowing just two runs on eight hits.
UCF (39-16-1) now faces Stetson—a surprise 8-3 winner over No. 9 Florida State earlier in the day—on Saturday at noon. The Knights will look to carry this momentum into the winner’s bracket matchup.