The Knights are being recognized for their efforts on the diamond over the weekend as the American Athletic Conference has named Jazmine Esparza and Alea White the league’s Player and Co-Pitcher of the Week, respectively.
White started twice in three games for the Knights over the weekend to help them sweep New Mexico State at home. On Sunday, White recorded her 81st career win, making her the all-time wins leader at UCF. In 11 total innings over her two starts, White did not allow a single earned run and struck out 15 batters while allowing on average less than one baserunner per inning. The Pitcher of the Week honor marks White’s 10th time earning the award in her career. She has won the award at least once in every year she played in the black and gold.
Earning her first career conference Player of the Week award, Jazmine Esparza was the backbone of a Knights’ attack that posted a record-high 18 runs in Friday’s victory and a combined 37 runs in the series. Esparza slashed .667/.700/1.444 with two home runs and nine RBI on the weekend. Her best day at the plate came in Friday’s 18-1 thrashing, where she was 2-for-2 with a double, a home run, five RBI and a base on balls.
After the weekend, Esparza now leads the Knights in batting average, on base percentage, doubles, and is second on the team with 11 RBI.
The last time the Knights earned both Player and Pitcher of the Week honors in the same week was Feb. 10, 2020, when Alea White and Justene Molina each earned the award.
