The Knights are looking forward to the 2024 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, hosted by the Big League Dreams Complex in Cathedral City from February 22nd to 24th.
Now, this isn’t UCF’s first rodeo at the Mary Nutter. They last graced this tournament back in 2017, and oh boy, did things get interesting. The Knights squared off against Cal Poly and then-No. 8 UCLA, managing a 1-1 split, but their plans to face off against Cal and Loyola Marymount got canceled. Talk about some West Coast chaos!
This time around, UCF is ready for a Californian showdown with a triple-header from Thursday to Saturday, kicking things off against their newfound rivals, Mississippi State, on February 22nd at 5 p.m. ET. You might remember their dramatic clash at the 2023 TaxAct Clearwater Invitational, where UCF pulled off a stunning 6-5 victory, thanks to Shannon Doherty’s clutch RBI single. The Knights finally broke the Mississippi State curse and are now looking to build on that historic win.
After battling the Bulldogs, UCF’s California adventure continues with a nightcap against the Oregon Ducks. This will be a first-time meeting between the Knights and the Ducks. UCF’s very own Jasmine Williams, who used to wear the Ducks’ colors, will be facing her former team for the first time since transferring to Orlando in 2022. A homecoming of sorts, but with a Knights twist!
Day two is no walk in the park for UCF, as they take on the Missouri Tigers and the Oregon State Beavers. The Tigers gave them quite a run for their money in 2023, with a nail-biting 11-8 game that featured a home run extravaganza. And remember that one time in 2012 when UCF faced the Beavers? Well, they’ll meet again, and it’s about time someone breaks the tie!
UCF will wrap up its Mary Nutter journey on February 24th with a doubleheader against the Tennessee Lady Volunteers and the San Diego Toreros. The Lady Vols, fresh off a stellar 2023 season, have been a formidable foe, but the Knights are eager to show they’ve got what it takes. As for San Diego, it’s their first-ever clash with UCF, and who doesn’t love a friendly first-time face-off?
So, grab your peanuts and crackerjacks because the Knights are heading west for some unforgettable softball action. With a mix of old rivals and fresh competition, the 2024 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic promises to be a fantastic showdown. Stay tuned for all the hits, homers, and unforgettable moments! For more info visit: https://ucfknights.com/sports/softball
