TEMPE, Ariz. - Before junior catcher Samantha Swan’s fourth-inning home run, Arizona State's energy and output matched the gloomy spring afternoon. 

So, when Swan lifted a two-run homer over the fence, she not only allowed senior outfielder Kaylee Pond to run home, but ignited a spark into the Sun Devils’ offense. 

ASU head coach Megan Bartlett compared her outings from the weekend series going into the second half of the season. 

“If you watch how she trends heading into the end of conference season and postseason, she’s a tough one,” Bartlett said. “So this wouldn't be atypical for her, but she is really seeing it well right now.” 

Later, Swan fired a ball to deep center field for her second home run of the evening to pull the Sun Devils within one run. 

Swan’s big day at the plate fell short, though, as No. 25 ASU (31-13, 5-10 Big 12) dropped their second straight game to No. 22 UCF (32-11-1, 10-7 Big 12) 4-3 on Sunday at Farrington Stadium. 

Graduate pitcher Kenzie Brown provided some momentum for her team down the stretch, but not without some early setbacks. The first two innings saw the Sun Devils’ ace allow six hits and four runs, two earned. 

Brown eventually settled in, though, and showed why she earned a pro opportunity by giving up only one hit over the next five innings.

All in all, Brown finished the game with 10 strikeouts and lowered her season ERA to 2.64 on Sunday.

Bartlett praised Brown’s competitive spirit on the mound. 

“She hates to lose, so she's going to roll out and give us everything she has every single day,” Bartlett said. “Really thought Kenzie pitched a beautiful game.” 

On the flip side, Knights sophomore pitcher Isabella Vega and the entire UCF defense controlled the rhythm of the game, not allowing any major moments outside of Swan’s home runs. 

Vega only punched out one ASU hitter, but pieced together a two-hit complete game that proved to be just enough. 

Bartlett didn’t underestimate Vega or the Knights going into this game, acknowledging them as a “very good team”. 

“UCF just executed when they had opportunities today,” Bartlett said. “We came up a little short against another top 25 team this week.” 

Despite the close loss, the resilience and attitude of the team stands out to Bartlett. 

“I don't think that at any point there’s just been cruise control,” Bartlett said. “We’ve just had to keep picking ourselves up by our bootstraps while learning lessons and keep moving.”

Now, Bartlett and the Sun Devils turn to the preparation for an opportunity to bounce back at No. 20 Grand Canyon on Tuesday, April 14. 

With the Lopes currently sitting at 41-4 on the season, Bartlett knows a road win on Tuesday will take a stellar showing from her team.

“We’re going to have to compete,” Bartlett said. “We’re going to have to execute on defense and when we get opportunities to drive the ball at the plate, we are going to have to do it.”