A pair of freshman tosses the program’s 34th no-hitter against Bethune-Cookman
TAMPA, Feb. 8, 2024 – The freshman duo of Julia Apostolakos (Beachwood, N.J.) and Alex Wright (Auburndale) made South Florida history as the first freshmen to throw a combined no-hitter in their first collegiate appearance in the Bulls 10-0 five-inning win against Bethune-Cookman in game two of the 2024 season opener. South Florida started the season with a nail-biting ninth-inning walk-off to defeat Illinois State 1-0.
With the wins, South Florida is now 14 wins away from reaching 1,500 in program history, while head coach, Ken Eriksen, is 15 wins away from hitting 1,100 in his career.
Game 1 | Illinois State 0, South Florida 1
Marissa Trivelpiece’s (Sugarloaf, Pa.) sacrifice fly to score Olivia Elliott (Tampa) in the ninth inning pushed the Bulls to their second straight extra-inning season opener win. Last season, South Florida opened the season with a win in the eighth inning against Michigan.
Elliott started the inning on second and then advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt from Alanah Rivera (St. Petersburg).
Through the first five innings, the game had three hits combined, with South Florida earning one. Sophomore Payton Dixon (Smyrna, Del.) pitched five innings, allowing two hits and striking out five.
Junior transfer Belle Sardja (Gibsonton) made her South Florida debut and earned her first NCAA win, pitching 3.2 innings and striking out three.
Game 2 | Bethune-Cookman 0, South Florida 10
South Florida kept its momentum going in game two, taking an early 1-0 lead in the first on another sacrifice fly from Trivelpiece.
The Bull’s offense showed out in the third inning, scoring six runs. South Florida started the inning with back-to-back singles, then advanced both runners on a sacrifice fly. A Wildcat error allowed two runs to cross the plate.
A fielder’s choice and a single later in the inning scored two more runs and kept the inning alive. The Bulls capitalized on two more singles to score three more runs before ending the third inning.
The last three runs by the Bulls came in the fourth inning on a bases-loaded walk, a sacrifice fly, and a single.
South Florida saw eight different players cross the plate with just as many earning an RBI.
Notables
- South Florida needs 14 wins to reach 1,500 in program history.
- Ken Eriksen needs 15 wins to reach 1,100 in his career.
- Elliott and Rivera led the team with two hits today.
- The Bulls earned 10 walks, with Bailey Drapola (Brookfield, Ohio) earning two.
- Elliott and Trivelpiece led with two RBI.
- Dixon led with five strikeouts.
- South Florida’s pitching and defense did not allow a single run.
Up Next
The Bulls continue to play in the USF-Rawlings Invitational tomorrow with a Friday afternoon game against Michigan. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
About USF Softball
Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. The USF softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 16 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women’s College World Series in 2012.
– #GoBulls –
