TAMPA, Fla., April 12, 2024 – The University of South Florida softball team (28-16, 7-9 AAC) fell to the Wichita State Shockers (19-15, 10-6 AAC) to open the series on Friday night. The Bulls lost with a final of 5-3.
Alexa Galligani (White Plains, N.Y.) and Alanah Rivera (St. Petersburg) stretched their on-base streaks, Galligani with a hit and Rivera with a walk. Galligani’s on-base streak is now 16, while Rivera’s is 11.
After pitching a complete game against No. 9 Florida on Wednesday, Payton Dixon (Smyrna, Del.) earned her 21st of the season. She quickly settled into a pitching duel with the Shockers starting pitcher. Through the first three innings, there were a combined two hits, one from each team.
Wichita State took the lead in the fourth inning off a single and a grand slam. Alex Wright (Auburndale) entered the circle to pitch in the fourth inning. She retired the first four batters she faced.
The Bulls loaded the bases in the fifth inning with an error, a single, and a walk. DaNia Brooks (Tampa) singled to the shortstop for her sixth RBI of the season.
Back-to-back singles from Jordyn Kadlub (Wesley Chapel) and Galligani started the sixth inning for the Bulls. Olivia Elliott (Tampa) cleared the bases with her fifth double of the season, cutting the Shockers lead to 5-3.
Notables
- Galligani’s on-base streak is now at 16, while Rivera’s is at 11.
- Wright pitched a career-high of 3.2 innings. She only walked one.
- Brooks had her first career multi-hit performance. She finished the game with two hits.
- Elliott led with two RBI for her fourth multi-RBI game.
Up Next
South Florida and Wichita State will continue their series tomorrow afternoon. The first pitch is set for 4 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 17 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women’s College World Series in 2012.
– #GoBulls –
