No. 24 USF Drops Twin Bill To No. 19 Florida

[Brad]

Courtesy USF SID

No. 24 USF Drops Twin Bill Action To No. 19 Florida

TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2007) – The University of South Florida softball team lost both games of its doubleheader to in-state rival Florida, 2-1, 4-1, Wednesday afternoon at the USF Softball Field.

With the loss, the No. 24 Bulls’ record drops to 3-4 on the year, while No. 19 Florida’s improved to 6-1.

In game one, Florida opened up the scoring in the top of the first, taking a 2-0 lead. Back-to-back singles put runners on first and second with one out. A fielding error by the Bulls loaded up the bases and a fielder’s choice and a base hit drove in the two runs.  

For four-straight innings USF had a runner in scoring position but could not capitalize. Out of those chances, the Bulls’ best opportunity to bring a runner home came in the third inning. With Tara Toscano at second base, Danielle Urbanik singled to shallow left field and Toscano tried to score, but was thrown out at home.  

In the bottom of the seventh inning, USF got its offense going and had a chance to tie the game. After Ashley Bullion reached on a fielder’s choice and advanced to second on a groundout, Britta Giddens came up to the plate and doubled to the gap in left center. With the tying run on and two outs, the Bulls couldn’t bring the runner home and lost, 2-1.  

Cristi Ecks was credited with her first loss of the year, dropping her record to 2-1. In six innings of work, the sophomore allowed two runs – both were unearned – on seven hits while posting five Ks.  

Freshman pitcher Kristen Gordon came in and pitched the seventh inning and didn’t allow a hit or run while in the circle.

In game two, a leadoff walk in the second inning came back to hurt the Bulls, as Florida’s Ali Gardiner drove in Melissa Zick for a 1-0 lead.  

USF didn’t wait too long to make its move and tied the score at one in the bottom of the fourth. With two outs, consecutive base hits and good base running put runners at the corners for Bullion, who drove in the equalizer with a single up the middle.  

In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Bulls had two runners on base but could not bring them home to end the stalemate.  

With one swing of the bat the Gators regained control of the game, as a solo home run by Gardiner gave Florida the 2-1 advantage. The Gators continued their offensive surge and closed out the top part of the seventh inning with a lead of 4-1.  

With only one more chance to tie or win the game, Florida pitcher Stacey Nelson retired the Bulls in order for the win. Nelson (4-0) was credited with the complete-game victory, allowing one run on six hits while posting six Ks.

USF’s Gordon was credited with her first loss of the season after she gave up the go-ahead run. Gordon relieved starter Courtney Mosch in the third inning and gave up two runs on four hits in four innings.  

The Bulls will look to get back on the winning track when they host the Wilson Tournament Saturday through Monday at the USF Softball Field. On Saturday, USF will face Florida A&M at 11:30 a.m. and Wichita State at 4 p.m.

[Jewbull]

Same opponent same result (except for a few here & there) we can never beat them in anything, amazing  :-/

[outrunner]

Same opponent same result (except for a few here & there) we can never beat them in anything, amazing  :-/

never say never

our day will come

[JoeB]

Not good.  Our softball team already has four losses.  

[mattegunz]

They started slow last year, they will be fine.  Just got to get the bats going.

[The Sheriff]

Mark... are you retarded or something? Did we not knock UF out of last season's tourney? Did you not see Coach changing the pitching staff early on? He's getting all of the girls reps... instead of throwing the aces against them for seven innings. This team will be well seasoned by the 40th game and will be on cruise control heading into the tourney. Have confidence... UF threw their aces and barely hung on to win. Life is good for our program.

[UFkingsof2006]

Wrong on both counts, jackass.  UF was eliminated by FAU in last year's Gainesville regional.  They didn't lose a single game to USF.  Throwing their "ace" pitchers against USF?  I guess that's what you have to call the ONLY two pitchers remaining on the UF squad.  Our "ace" pitcher (Lindsey Littlejohn) had to give up softball last May after a career-ending knee injury.  Do what the GEICO Caveman suggests and do a little research next time before spouting off.  Maybe JEWBULL should be asking you if you are the retarded one.   ;D

[AndytheBull]

Wrong on both counts, jackass.  UF was eliminated by FAU in last year's Gainesville regional.  They didn't lose a single game to USF.  Throwing their "ace" pitchers against USF?  I guess that's what you have to call the ONLY two pitchers remaining on the UF squad.  Our "ace" pitcher (Lindsey Littlejohn) had to give up softball last May after a career-ending knee injury.  Do what the GEICO Caveman suggests and do a little research next time before spouting off.  Maybe JEWBULL should be asking you if you are the retarded one.   ;D

1. Why are you on this board, 2. Who won the Gainesville regional last year? I BULLeive that is all that matters. Lets see where we are in May.

[smazza]

bulls will go further than gators this year also

[Bull Matrix]

Ha ha ha, getting eliminated by FAU. Keep the laughs coming.