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On March 14, 2006, the UCF Knights Softball Team hosted Tulsa in the first-ever game played at the UCF Softball Complex, with UCF Hall-of-Famer Allison Kime throwing the first pitch.
Since then, there have been many memorable moments and games played at the Complex. We take a look back at the 15 most memorable wins in the 15-year history of what has come to be known as “The Plex.”
Honorable Mention: UCF’s 500th win - March 14, 2015 vs. Illinois-Chicago
The “Shake and Bake” combo of Mackenzie Audas and Shelby Turnier gave the Knights their 500th program win, defeating UIC 2-1.
15. Farah Sullivan’s Walk-off Grand Slam, Audas’ 17 Ks Down UTEP - April 7, 2013
Mackenzie Audas struck out a career high 17 batters in 11 innings, which was the second-most by any Knight behind only Allison Kime’s 18 in 2007 at Florida State. But the Knights were down 2-0 in the bottom of 11th when Farrah Sullivan hit a walk-off grand slam to give UCF the 4-2 win.
14. Klarkowski Walks off USF - April 16, 2017
Kyra Klarkowski’s walk off hit in the bottom of the 9th gives UCF the War on I-4 series win over the Bulls.
13. Alea White’s First No-Hitter - February 22, 2019
A first-inning RBI single by Jazmine Esparza was all Alea White would need against Coastal Carolina, as White dealt her first career no-hitter with a career-high 12 strikeouts in the win.
It was the 17th no-hitter in UCF Softball history and the first since 2015.
12. Turnier Bowls Over 16 Falcons - March 9, 2014 vs. Bowling Green
Shelby Turnier breaks the UCF record for most strikeouts in a 7-inning game with 16 in the Knights’ 2-0 win over Bowling Green. Her 16 Ks was third-highest single-game total in program history behind 17 from Audas in 11 innings vs. UTEP in 2013 and 18 by Kime in 2007 at FSU.
11. A Record-Breaking Inning - March 15, 2007 vs. Bethune Cookman
UCF scored 17 runs in the 1st inning, which is the second-most runs scored in one inning in NCAA history, and run-ruled Bethune Cookman 18-2 in 5 innings. Cici Alvarez stole her 75th career base, passing Jania Shinhoster for most in UCF history.
10. Turnier’s First No-No in UCF’s AAC Debut - March 22, 2014
In UCF’s first game as member of the American Athletic Conference, Shelby Turnier threw her first career no-hitter, beating Memphis 1-0.
9. Kime Upstages Shamblin - April 6, 2008 vs. #9 Houston
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Allison Kime went 3 for 3 at the plate with a home run off her rival Angel Shamblin, and pitched 6 innings to give UCF its first-ever win over #9 Houston, 6-4. The two teams would meet one month later in Houston in the C-USA Championship Game, where Kime once again got the best of Shamblin to win the C-USA Championship.
8. Alea White Breaks UCF’s Career Wins Record - February 21, 2021
Alea White passed Shelby Turnier for most wins in program history with her 81st, giving up just two unearned runs with eight strikeouts - including the last out of game - as the Knights defeated New Mexico State 8-2 in a game that was nationally televised on ESPN+.
7. Audas’ Win for the Ages - April 11, 2015 vs. Houston
Mackenzie Audas would break two of Allison Kime’s record in one game. First, she broke Kime’s career wins mark with her 72nd career victory, and she did it by throwing her 5th career no-hitter, breaking her tie with Kime’s 4 no-nos as #17 UCF run-ruled the Cougars 13-0 in 5 innings.
6. Audas’ and Novak’s Record Day - March 13, 2015 vs. Monmouth
Mackenzie Audas became the Knights’ all-time career leader in strikeouts, passing Allison Kime with 848 Ks in the top of the first. In the bottom of the 1st, Kahley Novak stole 2nd to give herself sole possession of the UCF career record with 103, breaking the record held by Natalie Land. #20 UCF defeated Monmouth 8-3.
5. Roll Knights - February 12, 2016 vs. No. 5 Alabama
In the first-ever game at the UCF Softball Complex between two Top-25 teams, #17 UCF knocked off #5 Alabama 8-1 in front of a sold-out crowd. Courtney Rotton went 4/4 with 5 RBI while Shelby Turnier struck out 9 in the win.
4. White Knight - April 4, 2018 vs #4 Florida.
Behind a record-breaking crowd of 1,236, Alea White kept the mighty Florida Gators off balance and joined Audas as the only UCF Softball pitchers to beat Florida at the Complex by throwing a 1-hit shutout, as UCF knocked off Florida 1-0. UCF got an RBI single by Cassady Brewer in the 1st, scoring Aubrey Johnson. Brewer went 3 for 3 in the win. Her sister Danielle was part of UCF’s 2012 win over Florida.
3. Mackenzie Audas’ Coming Out Party - April 11, 2012 vs. #3 Florida
Freshman Mackenzie Audas dominated the Gators, throwing a 2-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts as UCF knocked off #3 Florida 2-0 in front of a state wide TV audience as the game was televised on Bright House Sports Network.
2. No. 22 UCF Knocks off No. 2 Arizona - March 8, 2021
TAMED THE CATS!
— Black & Gold Banneret (@UCF_Banneret) March 9, 2021
Gianna Mancha and No. 22 @UCF_Softball Shut Down No. 2 Arizona, 2-0. #UCF #ChargeOnhttps://t.co/8XDLoQdb2Q
The early birthday gift for the Complex came last Monday as the Knights picked upthe biggest regular season win in the 15-year history of the facility, knocking off No. 2 Arizona 2-0 behind a 3-hit shutout from Gianna Mancha, who struck out 9 Wildcats. Arizona came in on a nation-best 23-game win streak, and had won 10 of their last 12 games via the run rule.
It marked the first time that Arizona Head Coach Mike Candrea brought his Wildcats to Orlando to play the Knights. Arizona was led by star catcher Dejah Mulipola who will be with the U.S. National Team in Tokyo for Summer Olympics. Arizona is highest-ranked team UCF has beaten at home.
1. UCF Wins The American at Home - May 9, 2015 vs. Tulsa (AAC Championship Game)
Samantha McCloskey’s walk-off home run in the bottom of 7th gave the 15th-ranked Knights the American Athletic Conference Championship over Tulsa, 1-0, in a game that was televised on ESPN2. Shelby Turnier pitched a one-hit shutout to keep the trophy in Orlando.