TAMPA, Fla., April 13, 2024 – Alanah Rivera (St. Petersburg) and Belle Sardja (Gibsonton) led the University of South Florida softball team (29-16, 8-9 AAC) to a 5-0 shutout win over the Wichita State Shockers (19-16, 10-7 AAC) to even the series on Saturday.
Rivera went 3-for-3 with one run and two RBI. Her three hits tied a career-high set in 2022 at Memphis. Sardja pitched her sixth complete game and held Wichita State to one hit. It is the least amount for the Shockers since Oregon held them to one hit on May 21, 2022, in the NCAA Regionals. Sardja was one hit and one walk away from throwing a perfect game.
After retiring the Shocker’s first three batters, South Florida wasted no time to score. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases. Rivera doubled through the left side for two runs to score. Marissa Trivelpiece (Sugarloaf, Pa.) and DaNia Brooks (Tampa) registered an RBI with a sacrifice fly and a double to give the Bulls the early 4-0 lead.
In the top of the fourth with one Shocker on base, Kathy Garcia-Soto (Tampa) turned a Sports Center top play for the first two outs. South Florida added to its lead in the fifth inning on an error from Wichita State’s third baseman.
Notables
- Rivera went 3-for-3 with one run and two RBI.
- She tied her career-high of three hits.
- The Bulls hit three doubles.
- Alexa Galligani’s (White Plains, N.Y.) on-base streak is now at 17, while Rivera’s is at 12.
- Brooks hit her second double of her career.
Up Next
South Florida and Wichita State will close out the series tomorrow morning. The first pitch is set for 10 a.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 –
