With their second tournament victory out of three, and a second place as well, University of Central Florida has won the Florida College 7s Series.

UCF upended rivals Florida Sunday in the final 17-0, a week after losing the previous final 12-10 to those self-same Gators. Central was especially impressive Sunday, shutting out and blowing out most of their opponents.

The key, said club president Jason Ross, is practice.

“We train four days a week,” Ross said. “Mondays and Wednesdays are 7s training, with strength and conditioning for other players. And then Tuesdays and Thursdays we do 15s training.”

Not all the players can make every session, but they are encouraged to do what they can, and the benefits are evident.

“I think I’ve really seen a difference in the loose forwards,” said Ross. “In 15s we use those guys to slot into the backline, and their ball handling and passing is a lot better. I do think the extra time helps, and it certainly helps us get fitter and player better together.”

Captain Gerhard Veit noted that several players are beginning to step up, and they will be needed. James Boozer, Sean Nelson, and Daniel Irion have all been playing well. And for UCF, their form better stay strong, because the South Independent 7s looms.

“We are really excited about playing next weekend,” said Veit. “We always go into a tournament feeling we can win it, but we also know it will be really tough against Arkansas State and Life. Those guys are in serious programs, and we can only get better playing guys like that.”