ORLANDO, Fla. - Jacksonville University softball (13-23) paid a visit to the Knights of UCF (27-9) for a Wednesday evening non-conference game. The score sat even through most of the game as each team mirrored one another's scoring efforts, but it was the Knights who found a game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh.

Alyssa Bilodeau got the nod in this one and went all seven innings. The junior got off to a hot start, striking out the first two batters and not allowing a baserunner until the third inning. Five hits were all the Knights could muster against Bilodeau and only two of the three runs were earned by the pitcher. 

Jacksonville's offense also failed to do damage in the first two innings, but were the first ones on the scoreboard. Makenzie Buss recorded the first of two homers the 'Phins would hit in the game. The second came three innings later off the bat of Abby Genest to tie the game at 2-2. 

After stranding a pair of baserunners in the top of the seventh, it was up to Jacksonville's defense to get a stop and force extra innings. However, a leadoff double and a single past the shortstop gave the Knights the deciding run and a 3-2 victory.

Buss' home run was her fifth of the season and her third RBI in three games. It was also Genest's fifth homer on the year. Kassidy Cross, who entered the day tied for first in the ASUN in hits, recorded another one today. She now leads the team with seven doubles this season. Three other Dauphins made it on base with walks.

Bilodeau's record goes to 7-10 on the season following the loss. UCF's Breanna Vasquez was credited with the win and moves to 19-6 this season.

"We're right there. We knew coming into the year we had a lot of inexperience and a lot of young kids, and they're in position to win a lot of ball games. We've just got to come through at the end, and learn how to do that as a group," said head coach Erica Ayers.

Next, Jacksonville hosts the Lipscomb Bisons (24-12-1) for a weekend conference series. The first two games are set for Saturday, April 6, with game one beginning at 1 PM. Jacksonville last faced the Bisons during the 2018 ASUN Championship, where they came away with a 7-0 victory.