Kansas softball will continue its Big 12 schedule with a three-game series against No. 24/22 UCF Knights in Orlando, Florida, beginning April 17. The Jayhawks, currently third in the conference standings, will play the first game on Friday at 5 p.m. Central Time.
The matchup is significant as Kansas seeks to maintain its strong position within the Big 12 and recover from a recent loss. The Jayhawks hold a record of 29–13 overall and are 10-5 in conference play. Despite falling to Missouri by a score of 4-2 earlier this week, Kansas remains unbeaten in five conference series and has won six consecutive series overall.
Kansas head coach Jennifer McFalls addressed her team’s outlook following the Missouri game: “These (midweek games) are the kind of games throughout the year that make us better,” McFalls said. “We have to learn and grow from this. We can’t be satisfied or leave here hanging our heads. We’re too good of a team, and we have a huge weekend ahead of us. I think the loss helps us get prepared mentally, and it’s going to be a fight this weekend against UCF.” In that contest against Missouri, Kansas rallied late but ultimately could not overcome a two-run home run by Missouri in the seventh inning.
UCF enters the series with an overall record of 33-11-1 and sits fifth in the Big 12 standings at 10-7-1. The Knights also feature an effective offense led by junior infielder Sierra Humphreys, who leads her team with a .394 batting average, along with team highs in hits (50) and RBIs (48). Seven UCF starters are hitting over .300 for the season.
Fans can follow Friday’s opener on ESPN+, with live statistics available through Kansas Softball’s X account. After concluding their road trip at UCF on April 19, Kansas will return home for another Big 12 matchup against Iowa State from April 24 to April 26 at Arrocha Ballpark.
