News Summary
The UCF Knights are set to compete in the Bradley Pink Classic as part of their cross-country season. Sophomore Yvone Sandui leads the team after a strong performance at the Southern Showcase. Meanwhile, the football team struggles with injuries and seeks its first conference win against West Virginia. With the Big 12 Championships on the horizon, the Knights focus on performance improvement across both sports.
Orlando, FL – The UCF Knights will participate in the Bradley Pink Classic on Friday, October 17, as a key event in their cross-country season. This competition comes on the heels of a solid performance at the Southern Showcase, where the team finished 10th overall, showcasing their potential as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Sophomore Yvone Sandui led the Knights at the Southern Showcase, achieving a personal-best time of 17:11.9, which ranks her as the second-fastest woman in UCF program history. Her performance represents a significant milestone for both Sandui and the team. In addition, fellow teammates Alexandra Raquet, Kendall Hughes, Paige Jaszczak, and Abigail Clements also recorded personal bests at the Southern Showcase, contributing to the team’s strong showing.
Last year, UCF placed 19th at the Bradley Pink Classic, where the runners set multiple personal records. This year’s event will serve as the Knights’ first 6K of the season, featuring a challenging course at Newman Golf Course, which includes a two-lap flat loop and a rolling hill loop. Clements, Masha Dorofeev, and Penelope Sosa are set to compete in the white division at 1:45 p.m. EST, followed by Sandui and others racing in the red division at 3:15 p.m. EST. Both races will be available for live streaming on ESPN.
This race will be the final regular-season event for the Knights before they head to the Big 12 Championships on October 31 in Lawrence, Kansas, further underscoring the importance of their performance at the Bradley Pink Classic.
In addition to their cross-country commitments, the Knights are facing a challenging season in football. Currently, UCF has lost three consecutive games, placing them at the bottom of the Big 12 standings. The team holds a 3-3 overall record, with a disappointing 0-3 performance in conference play. They will host West Virginia on October 18, aiming to improve their standing and secure their first Big 12 win.
Injuries have plagued the Knights this season, resulting in a fluctuating quarterback situation. Players Cam Fancher, Tayven Jackson, and Jacurri Brown have all experienced injuries, which has contributed to the inconsistency of the UCF offense. The team is currently averaging only 17 points per game in conference play, ranking among the lowest in the Big 12.
Despite the offensive struggles, UCF’s defense has shown some strength, ranking 28th nationally by allowing just 17.4 points per game. However, they have struggled to create turnovers, going 11 quarters without a takeaway. Special teams have seen marked improvement this season, particularly with kicker Noe Ruelas, who has successfully converted 10 out of 11 field goal attempts.
The Knights’ matchup against West Virginia presents a significant challenge, as UCF has never secured a victory against them in history, with a 4-0 all-time record against the Knights. UCF’s coach emphasized the importance of practice to restore the team’s confidence as they approach this critical game in their campaign.
As the Knights continue to tackle both cross-country and football challenges, they remain focused on improving their performances in hopes of better outcomes as their seasons progress.
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Additional Resources
- TCPalm: UCF Knights Football Season Grades & Stats
- WV News: UCF Preview – Back in Action
- News Journal: UCF vs. West Virginia Predictions
- Orlando Sentinel: UCF Burning Questions
- Heartland College Sports: West Virginia vs. UCF Preview
- Wikipedia: University of Central Florida
- Google Search: UCF Knights
- Google Scholar: UCF Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Central Florida
- Google News: UCF Athletics
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
