The Kansas State Wildcats couldn't hold onto a late lead Thursday night, dropping Game 1 of their series against UCF with a 10-6 loss in Orlando.

K-State (27-25, 10-18 Big 12) looked poised to steal an early road win, holding a 4-3 advantage through six innings. The go-ahead run came from Cadyn Karl, who delivered an RBI single to bring home AJ Evasco and give the Wildcats the lead.

But the momentum shifted dramatically in the seventh. UCF (30-19, 18-10 Big 12) exploded for five runs, turning a one-run deficit into an 8-4 lead. The Knights weren't done there—Andrew Williamson crushed a two-run home run in the eighth to stretch the lead to 10-4.

Down but not out, the Wildcats showed fight in the ninth. Bear Madliak launched a two-run homer to cut into the deficit, but UCF's bullpen managed to escape the late rally and secure the series-opening win.

For K-State, it's a tough loss in a season where every game matters. The Wildcats will look to bounce back in Game 2 and even the series before heading home.