SB: No. 3 South Florida Set to Face No. 6 ECU in AAC Semifinals

TAMPA, May 10, 2023– The USF softball team has lived on the edge all season, going 10-6 in one-run games and registering eight walk-off victories. Now there is no margin for error. 

“We have won in thrilling fashion and lost a few heartbreakers, too, but all that has done is put us in position to achieve our goals,’’ Bulls coach Ken Eriksen said. “It’s right there for us. We’ve just got to go out and do it.’’ 

The No. 3-seeded Bulls (31-23, 10-7) are hosting the American Athletic Conference Softball Tournament and open Thursday against the No. 6 East Carolina Pirates (27-27, 3-15), a team they swept during the regular season. 

If the seeds hold, USF will get a shot at No. 2 UCF in Friday’s semifinals with the winner advancing to Saturday’s championship game likely against No. 1 Wichita State (43-9 16-2). The AAC champion earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. 

For the Bulls to win their eighth conference tournament championship and 18th NCAA bid under Eriksen, USF’s pitching must come through. For about half the season, USF has had at least one of its expected starters down with an injury. 

“We’re not using anything as an excuse,’’ Eriksen said. “We’ve got (54) games under our belt. We’ve gone through a few things, but at this point, we’ve established our identity and we’ve just got to do it. 

“We came into this thing with a brand new pitching staff. After having that kid, number 22 (Georgina Corrick), as a dominant force for so many years, we had to adjust and we got battle-tested against a great schedule. So with all that, we’re sitting at 31 wins and now we have a great opportunity.’’ 

The Bulls figure to use a rotation of Gabriella Nori (8-8, 2.18 ERA), Payton Dixon (13-5, 1.43) and Jaden Martinez (3-3, 2.25) with top offensive threat Vivian Ponn ready at all times in relief. Dixon is coming off a no-hitter in her last start at Houston. 

“We’ve definitely had adversity, but I really like our group,’’ Ponn said. “I think we have a chance to come together at the right time. Plus, we’re at home. I love our stadium. It’s gorgeous and we play with great confidence at home. I think we’re ready to play our best softball of the season.’’ 

Ponn (.300, eight home runs, 25 RBIs) and Marissa Trivelpiece (.302, eight homers, 32 RBIs) have paced USF’s offense, while shortstop Kathy Garcia-Soto leads the defense. Garcia-Soto also registered the season’s most memorable moment with a walk-off homer against Texas. 

“If we put all the elements of our game together, I think we’re very dangerous,’’ Ponn said. 

USF has twice hosted conference softball tournaments in its current stadium, defeating Notre Dame in the Big East final and falling against Tulsa in the AAC final. 

“We have familiarity with our ballpark, all of its nooks and crannies, and our ballpark lends itself to the way we play the game with speed and defense,’’ Eriksen said. “We’ve played in some band-boxes and given up some short homers. I’m glad we’re done with that and we’re very comfortable to be playing at home. 

“You’ve got your hometown crowd and the chance to get an automatic NCAA bid. If you’re not fired up for that, you shouldn’t be playing. I think our team is going to be very ready for this chance. I feel like we’re in a good position. Get a couple of wins and maybe you’re in a spot where the committee looks at you for an at-large bid. But make no mistake, we’re in this to win it. You want to win championships.’’

Round Up for the Opponent
 
Houston (27-27, 3-15 AAC)
Date: Thursday, May 11 | 5 p.m.
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: Statbroadcast 

Series vs. ECU: USF leads, 34-12

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 informationThe 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 –