UCF Softball Advances to NCAA Regional Finals After Thrilling Win Over Michigan
AUSTIN, TX — UCF softball showcased resilience and determination as they triumphed over Michigan 10-8 in a tense contest, securing their spot in the finals of the Austin Regional of the NCAA Softball Tournament. Earlier in the day, the Knights (35-23-1) decisively defeated Eastern Illinois 10-2, setting the stage for the showdown against the Wolverines.
This rematch with Michigan, who had previously edged UCF 4-3 in the opening round, proved to be a battle of wills. UCF’s coach Cindy Ball-Malone praised her team’s effort, noting their ability to rally and earn the chance to compete for the regional title. "It’s amazing to see them fight for each other," she said. UCF is in the regional finals for the first time since 2022, when they also faced Michigan.
The game started with Michigan taking an early lead, but UCF quickly countered with a two-run single from Coco Jaimes, putting them ahead 2-1. As the game unfolded, the lead changed hands five times, illustrating the competitive spirit of both teams. A pivotal moment came when UCF regained the advantage in the fifth inning, powered by a solo home run from Izzy Mertes and a critical 2-RBI single from Madison Simon, finalizing the score at 10-8.
UCF will now face the No. 1 seed Texas (48-10) on Sunday at 1 p.m. after the Longhorns advanced following a 16-4 victory over Michigan. Coach Ball-Malone acknowledged the challenging matchup ahead but expressed confidence in her team’s abilities, emphasizing that they must focus on their performance to maximize their chances against top-tier competition.
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