UCF softball earns first win over Gators in 2005
UCF pitcher Lindsay Enders gave up a three-run homer in front of hostile Florida Gators softball fans, but her coach never doubted she could come through with one of the biggest wins in program history.
Enders rebounded to retire the final four UF batters, beating the No. 23 Gators 5-3 during a Gainesville Regional elimination game on this date in 2005.
It was the Knights’ first victory over the Gators in the history of the softball program, adding to the pressure Enders faced. She fired a complete game to finish and earned her 26th win of the season.
“Lindsay is a competitor,” UCF softball coach Renee Luers-Gillispie told UCFKnights.com. “I knew she was going to be able to rebound after the home run.”
Stephanie Best played a big role in the win, going 3-for-4 with two RBI.
All five of UCF’s runs came with two outs, the type of clutch effort that finally pushed the Knights past the Gators.
“We’ve had some close calls against Florida over the years,” Luers-Gillispie said. “I was so proud of the effort and the heart our girls showed tonight.”
UCF lost to rival USF the next night in another elimination game before Bethune-Cookman knocked out the Bulls to claim the Gainesville Regional crown. The Wildcats were later eliminated by Texas in the Austin Super Regional.