Savannah Woodard’s two-run home run in the top of the sixth highlighted Liberty’s come from behind win over UCF on Wednesday night in Orlando. With the win, the Lady Flames remain unbeaten, improving to 6-0 on the season with four of those wins coming over Power Conference opponents.
Liberty took the early 1-0 lead in the top of the second on a Savannah Jessee RBI single scoring Paige Doerr. The score would remain the same until the bottom of the fourth when the Knights were able to string together four runs. After the first three batters reached base safely to open the frame, Liberty turned to Paige Bachman out of the bullpen in relief of starter Elena Escobar. Bachman would help limit the damage only allowing one unearned run in the inning, but the damage was done as UCF took a commanding 4-1 lead at the end of the fourth.
The Flames would get one back in the fifth. Rachel Roupe doubled with one out and then was knocked in on a Brynn McManus single to center field as Liberty cut their deficit to 4-2.
The Knights would threaten again in the home half of the 5th as their first three batters reached base, loading the bases with nobody out. Bachman would escape without allowing any damage, striking out two of the next three batters to keep Liberty within striking distance and trailing by only two.
With some momentum, Liberty came to bat in the top of the sixth. KK Madrey earned a one-out walk. Coach Dot Richardson then turned to her bench, calling on Alyssa Henault to pinch hit. It turned out to be the right decision as Henault doubled to left center and scored Madrey. That led to Woodard who turned on a 1-1 pitch and knocked it over the center field wall to give Liberty the lead at 5-4.
Bachman would record the final six outs to close out the win for the Lady Flames. It wasn’t without some drama as UCF got runners on base in both innings. In the 7th, the Knights got their leadoff hitter on base who then advanced to second with no outs on a wild pitch. Bachman was able to retire the next three batters as Liberty escaped with the victory.
Bachman, who was named CUSA Pitcher of the Week for her performance last week, picked up the win to improve to 4-0 on the season. She keeps her 0.00 ERA pitching four innings while scattering five hits and striking out five.
Liberty is off to its best start to a season since opening the 2021 season at 6-0. The Flames entered the week as one of 30 teams that remained unbeaten entering the second week of the regular season.
The Lady Flames also picked up their first ever win over UCF, having dropped the first seven in the series. Last year, UCF defeated Liberty, 7-5, on Feb. 14, 2024. Both Liberty and UCF have appeared in the NCAA Regionals each of the last four seasons.
The Knights fall to 6-2 on the season with their only other loss coming to No. 12 Georgia. They have defeated Illinois, NC State, and No. 14 Missouri already this season.
Meanwhile, Liberty, who is ranked No. 20 in this week’s Softball America Top 25 poll, went a perfect 5-0 at THE Spring Games, with wins over Power Conference opponents Louisville and Rutgers (twice). Liberty outscored its opponents 32-12 on the opening weekend.
Liberty’s 11-game opening season trip in Florida continues this weekend. The Lady Flames, as will UCF, will compete in the Shriner’s Children’s Clearwater Invitational beginning Friday in Clearwater, Florida. The Lady Flames will take on Charlotte and Alabama on Friday, before closing the weekend against Missouri, Wichita State, and Auburn.
