Canes to play UCF at Mark Light Field

The University of Miami club baseball team will host the Knights of UCF at Mark Light Field on March 29 for a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m.

UCF won the South Atlantic Conference last season with a 10-2 record and finished 23-5 overall while the Hurricanes finished third in the conference at 6-6 and 14-9 overall. The two rivals clashed six times last year with the Hurricanes posting a 2-4 record against the Knights.

Mark Light Field, a jewel in Coral Gables.

"Both teams figure to contend for the playoffs, and we will be playing them in the make-or-break part of the season," said head coach Mike North.

Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park is hallowed ground in Coral Gables. Originally constructed in 1973, the on-campus stadium underwent several renovations over the years with the most recent completed in 2009. Thanks to a $3.9 million donation from Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees, Mark Light Field can now accommodate 5,000 spectators.

"I'm looking forward to this UCF series on campus," said pitcher Dan Briggi. "I'm excited to play in front of a larger contingent of student fans."

The UM club baseball team will need the support from the student body. The Hurricanes last played at Mark Light Field in 2010 and were swept in a three-game series by a talented Florida Gators team.

"We played three close games against UF that were decided by just a few plays," said North. "I know with the support of the student body and stands full of UM supporters, our team will be able to make those plays and grab the wins we need. It will be an amazing atmosphere."