SB: Softball Claims First Conference Series Win

TAMPA, March 25, 2023 – The University of South Florida softball team (21-15, 2-0 AAC) had a major comeback in their 9-5 win over East Carolina (21-11, 0-2 AAC) on Saturday night. With the win, the Bulls have clinched the series over ECU.   

After the Pirates’ hot start, scoring four runs in the top of the first, South Florida answered with nine runs in the second inning.  

The second inning was highlighted by back-to-back RBI singles from Rian Eigenmann (Millville, N.J.) and Vivian Ponn (Fort Myers) and an RBI double from Megan Pierro (Lutz). 

Marissa Trivelpiece (Sugarloaf, Pa.) reached on a fielding error by the ECU third baseman and Eigenmann crossed the plate.  

The last time the Bulls scored nine runs in a single inning was on March 12, 2017, when they scored nine against Army. 

Lexie Kopko (Stewartstown, Pa.) pitched 5.2 innings, only allowing three hits and one earned run. Gabriella Nori (Weston) pitched the final inning for the Green and Gold and registered the only strikeout for USF.  

Defensively, Trivelpiece led the Bulls with eight putouts in her second career appearance on first base. Kathy Garcia-Soto (Tampa) and Kopko tied with three assists.  

NOTABLES 

  • This is the third time this season that USF has scored nine runs. 
  • The nine runs are the most they’ve scored this season. 
  • Kopko earned her first win of the season. 
  • Vaughn scored two of the Bulls runs. 

Up Next 

South Florida and East Carolina will close out the conference opening weekend tomorrow. The first pitch is set for 11 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 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 –