UCF CLIMBS INTO MAJOR NATIONAL POLLS
UCF became first team from The American to be officially ranked this season in each of the two major national softball polls. The Knights checked in 22nd in both the USA Today/NFCA Division I Poll and the ESPN.com/USA Softball National Top 25 rankings that were released on Tuesday.
During its 16-2 start to the 2020 season, UCF has taken down three opponents that are currently ranked or receiving votes in the major national polls. The signature wins thus far for the Knights were a two-game sweep of then No. 12 Tennessee in five innings on Feb. 21-22. The current 11-game winning streak for UCF is the third-longest active streak in the country, trailing only Gardner-Webb (14 games) and Eastern Kentucky (13 games) as of March 3.
CONFERENCE PLAY INCHES CLOSER
Only two more tournament weekends remain before conference play for the 2020 American softball season officially kicks off. Teams representing The American have compiled a 94-54 (.635) combined nonconference record this season entering games on March 4.
DOUBLE THE GRAND SLAMS FOR HOUSTON
Houston enjoyed a prolifically powerful outing at the plate against UTEP on Feb. 29. Kelli Montgomery and Kati Ray Brown both connected on grand slams in consecutive innings for the Cougars in an 11-0 win in five innings.
After not hitting a single grand slam during the 2019 season, Houston’s three grand slams thus far this season lead The American.
NOT WORKING BY THE HOUR
Teams from The American have enjoyed numerous big victories to begin the 2020 season, a good number of which have not gone the regulation seven innings. Of the 94 wins posted by teams from The American this season, 32 have ended in either six innings or less.
No. 22 UCF and No. RV Houston both lead the way in the conference with eight run-rule wins each, and Wichita State has contributed seven such wins to its ledger.
PERRIGAN, WHITE INCHING CLOSER TO CAREER MARKS
Wichita State’s Madison Perrigan has pulled within three home runs of establishing the all-time mark for long balls in the history of The American. Perrigan’s 33 career home runs rank solo second in conference history, trailing only the 35 home runs of former USF standout Lee Ann Spivey (2014-16). UCF’s Alea White tied Tulsa’s Emily Watson (74, 2015-18) for the conference career pitching wins record last weekend and has the chance to establish The American all-time mark on Wednesday against No. 12/11 Florida State.