The Gators swept the regular season series by taking both games of the doubleheader
GAINESVILLE, Fla. April 7, 2021 – The University of South Florida softball team dropped both games of the doubleheader against No. 5 Florida on Wednesday evening. The Gators took game one, 9-1, and outlasted the Bulls, 2-1, in game two.
Vivian Ponn (Fort Myers, Fla.) was solid in the circle in game two, throwing six innings and only allowing two hits and two runs against the top 5 opponent. AnaMarie Bruni (Schwenksville, Pa.) went 3-for-5 in the doubleheader with a walk and a run. Nicole Bechtel (Harrisburg, Pa.) recorded an RBI, while Alexis Buchman (Tampa, Fla.).
Game One – UF 9, USF 1 (6 inn.)
The Gators offense opened up game one with a bang. Charla Echols hit a three-run homer in the third at-bat of the game to put the Gators on top, 3-0. After two more runs in the first, Kendyl Lindaman hit a two-run home run in the fourth to put the Gators up 7-0.
The Bulls responded in the sixth, as Bechtel doubled home Bruni to cut the deficit to six. The Gators quickly answered the Bulls run with two of their own, earning the run-rule victory in six innings.
Game Two – UF 2, USF 1
The Gators struck first in game two as well. Emily Wilkie opened the scoring with a solo home run in the second. USF tied the game in the third, with Buchman crossing home on a passed ball.
Pitchers dueled afterwards with the score remaining tied until the fifth, when Florida doubled home a run to retake the lead, 2-1. The score held until the end of regulation, giving the Gators the doubleheader sweep.
Notables
- Ponn’s six innings in game two is a career-high.
- Bechtel hit her third double of the year.
Quotable
Head coach Ken Eriksen on today’s games…
“It was good to see our team really fight in both games. We fell behind early in game one, but then fought back to extend the game as much as we could. In game two, to have Vivian come out and do the things she did and pound the strike zone, showed a lot. If we can avoid the walks and the freebies inside the circle, it’ll give us a good shot to win.”
Up Next
USF returns home for a four-game series against Tulsa starting on Friday, April 9 at noon. Due to virus mitigation measures and the size of the venue, fan attendance will be limited to team pass list only at USF Softball Stadium. All games in the series will be broadcast on ESPN+.
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 15 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women’s College World Series in 2012.
– #GoBulls –
