Statement Wins in Clearwater Thrust UCF Softball into National Spotlight
For the first time in program history, the UCF softball team walked away from the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational with a winning record, upsetting then-No. 10 LSU 5-1 in the process.
The Knights wrapped up play in Clearwater with a 3-2 record across its five weekend matchups, defeating Big Ten foe Northwestern and ACC opponent NC State. The two losses came against then-No. 17 Georgia and then-No. 8 Nebraska.
UCF’s performance at the Clearwater Invitational earned them the No. 25 spot in both D1Softball and Softball America Top 25 polls — marking their first national ranking of 2026.
The LSU upset stands as the Knights’ highest-ranked win since March 2025, when the Black and Gold stunned then-No. 4 Arizona, taking two of three games in a weekend series.
UCF finished the 2025 season ranked No. 24 in D1Softball.com’s final top 25 poll after going 3-3 in postseason play. The Knights defeated Utah in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament, then earned two victories in the NCAA Austin Regional against Eastern Illinois and then-No. 25 Michigan.
Despite that finish, UCF entered the 2026 season unranked. Now, the Knights are back in the national conversation.
The Top 25 polls include four other Big 12 programs: No. 2 Texas Tech, No. 16 Arizona, No. 22 Oklahoma, and No. 24 Arizona State. UCF’s entrance adds another layer of depth to an already stacked conference landscape.
The Big 12 was the only conference at the Clearwater Invitational to have all of its participating teams finish with winning records. Oklahoma State went 3-2 overall, while Texas Tech turned in a 5-1 showing.
Redshirt sophomore pitcher Isabella Vega has been named Big 12 Pitcher of the Week after tossing 15.1 scoreless innings in week two, posting a 0.00 ERA with 15 strikeouts and a .158 opponent batting average.
Vega secured the Knights’ first SEC victory of the season against Missouri, added four shutout relief innings in a win over Northwestern and closed out a ranked victory over then-No. 10 LSU. She finished the weekend by tossing her first seven-inning complete game of the year against NC State.
This marks Vega’s third career Big 12 Conference Pitcher of the Week honor after earning the award twice last spring.
The Knights’ 9-3 start is their best 12-game start to a season since the 2021 team began the spring 10-2. UCF’s only three losses this season come from nationally ranked teams.
The Black and Gold return home to host non-conference opponents Dartmouth, Wagner, George Washington and Florida A&M for the Charge On Classic from Thursday through Sunday.
The Knights’ first big test of the season comes the following week on Friday, March 6, when they hit the road for a three-game series against No. 19 Oklahoma State.
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Arsenal Are Among The Clubs Hoping To Land This Newcastle United Midfielder: Decent Fit For Arteta?
In a recent segment on Youtube, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Arsenal are among the clubs hoping to land Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. Romano said,
“I also mentioned that Carlos Baleba was a top target with Ruben Amorim as coach, and we have to see what happens now that Amorim is no longer there. I told you as well that Sandro Tonali is appreciated by Man Utd, Arsenal and Juventus. There will be movement around these players.”
Tonali’s Impressive Form In The Premier League
Tonali is having another solid campaign at the Tyneside club as he has been responsible for putting in a string of impressive displays for them in the middle of the park. The 25-year-old has found the back of the net twice and earned five assists in 39 appearances for Newcastle this season across all competitions.
The Italian talent is currently among the best holding midfielders in the Premier League. Thus, it is no wonder that Arsenal are in the race for his services.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 14: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United on February 14, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
His current contract at St. James’ Park will run out in the summer of 2028, which could make it tough for the Gunners to sign him on the cheap later this year.
Will Tonali Be A Good Fit For Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta?
Tonali is a tough-tackling midfielder who can sense the danger well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when required and is a good passer of the ball.
The Italy international can chip in by scoring and creating a few important goals for his team. Tonali is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also fill in as a box-to-box midfielder if asked to do so by his manager. He is already got a wealth of experience in the Premier League and could make a smooth transition to life at Arsenal.
Tonali would no doubt enhance the quality of Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s midfield. He is good enough to challenge for a regular starting place at the North London club.
At 25, Tonali has his best years ahead of him, which makes him a decent fit for the Gunners to pursue this summer.