The University of Central Florida softball team won its series opener against Iowa State with an 8-5 victory, according to a May 1 announcement. The game took place at the Cyclone Sports Complex and marked UCF’s 37th win of the spring season.
This result is significant as it brings UCF within three wins of achieving its first 40-win season since joining the Big 12 Conference. The team’s latest conference win also set a new single-season record for most conference victories in its Big 12 era.
Sophomore outfielder Izzy Mertes said, “We like to be the visiting team and set the tone for the game early offensively. It was amazing to come out and do what we did immediately and establish how we want this weekend to go. It’s important to start off strong and carry that momentum through next couple of games.” Mertes contributed one of three home runs hit by UCF during Friday evening’s game, helping her team improve their road record to 12-5 overall and their conference road record to 8-2 this season.
Sierra Humphreys provided a key moment in the top of the first inning with a grand slam, her first collegiate grand slam and twelfth home run of the season, giving UCF an early four-run lead. This was UCF’s fifth grand slam this year, setting a new program record for most grand slams in a single season. Additional offensive highlights included home runs from both Mertes and Beth Damon as well as an RBI single from Samantha Rey.
Pitcher Isabella Vega threw her eleventh complete game of the year, allowing five hits while striking out eight batters—her second highest strikeout total this season. Vega said, “Today was a challenge, they had a big inning, but I was able to continue to battle back and not give up. I’m proud that I was able to go all seven innings and get the win for us. You go through adversity every single game, but it’s important to reset once the inning’s done and getting back to the next batter.” Vega now has seventeen wins on the year—the most by any Knights pitcher since Sarah Willis recorded nineteen victories in 2023.
Looking ahead, UCF will attempt to clinch their series against Iowa State with another matchup scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
