TAMPA, March 4, 2023 – Hallie Bryant’s (Trenton) sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh inning brought the winning run across the plate in the University of South Florida’s 2-1 walk-off over the USC-Upstate Spartans on Saturday night.
With one out in the seventh inning, Alyssa Rano (Seminole) tripled down the right field line and gave the Bulls offense some life. A single from senior Vivian Ponn (Fort Myers) tied the game.
Jordyn Kadlub (Wesley Chapel) came in to pinch run and quickly stole second and advanced to third on an error by the Spartans catcher. Kadlub scored the game winner on Bryant’s sacrifice fly.
USC-Upstate struck early with a solo home run from the leadoff batter. In the bottom of the second inning, South Florida had the bases loaded after a single from Marissa Trivelpiece (Sugarloaf, Pa.), and error from the Spartans, and a hit-by-pitch.
After the first two innings, left-hander Payton Dixon (Smyrna, Del.) and the Spartans starting pitcher settled down and locked in for a pitcher’s duel.
Emilee Hanlon (Dunkirk, N.Y.) put a spark in the Bulls offense in the bottom of the sixth inning with a leadoff double. Meghan Sheehan (Forest Hill, Md.) followed with a fielder’s choice; the Spartan’s defense focused on Hanlon, but she was safe at second.
NOTABLES
- This the Bulls fourth come from behind win and the first walk-off this season.
- Dixon pitched her second complete game of her career.
- She only allowed one run, four hits, and retired seven batters.
- The Bulls are now have turned 11 double plays this season. The single game record is four set last weekend against Michigan State.
Up Next
South Florida will face the Northern Illinois Huskies tomorrow at 2 p.m. for the fourth day of the Bulls Invitational.
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 –
