SAN ANTONIO, Texas., May 4, 2024 –The University of South Florida softball team (33-21, 12-14 AAC) fell to the University of Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners (15-40, 5-21 AAC) in extra innings on Saturday afternoon. The Bulls lost with a final score of 8-5.
In the opening frame, Olivia Elliott (Tampa) hit her fifth triple of the season. A groundout from Sam Mallinder (Plainfield, Ill.) gave the Bulls the early 1-0 lead.
UTSA didn’t earn their first hit until the fourth inning. They took to 2-1 lead in the fourth. The Roadrunners extended their lead to 5-1 in the fifth inning.
Down 5-1 with the bases loaded, Alex Wilkes (Tampa) came in as a pinch-hitter in the fifth inning. She hit the game-tying grand slam, the first of her career. The Bulls loaded the bases on two walks and a hit batter.
The Roadrunners hit a walk-off home run in the eighth inning.
Payton Dixon (Smyrna, Del.) earned her 27th start of the season. She pitched 6.2 innings, striking out eight batters. Belle Sardja (Gibsonton) and Alex Wright (Auburndale) made an appearance in the circle. Sardja struck out one.
Notables
- Alex Wilkes hit her first career grand slam.
- It’s the first grand slam for the Bulls since February 23, 2023, when Marissa Trivelpiece hit one against Michigan State.
- Dixon now has 156 strikeouts this season.
- South Florida has gone to extra innings seven times this season.
Up Next
South Florida and UTSA will close out the series tomorrow. The first pitch is set for 1 p.m. (E.T.).
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 –
