Bulls Ready to Open Regional Play Against Florida
USF plays host Florida to open the Gainesville Regional
MATCHUP: USF vs. No. 4 Florida
WHEN: May 21, 2021 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Gainesville, Fla.
TWITTER UPDATES: @USFSoftball
GAINESVILLE, Fla. May 20, 2021 – The University of South Florida softball team starts its 16th trip to the NCAA tournament on Friday with a 2 p.m. battle against Florida, the national four-seed and regional one-seed. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU and Bulls Unlimited.
The Bulls are entering their eighth trip to the Gainesville Regional. Historically, the team is 12-10 at the regional and both times the team has advanced out of the regional stage has been in Gainesville, in 2006 and 2012. Against Florida in the regional, USF is 1-2, only playing the Gators in 2012 and 2013.
Overall, the Bulls have a 27-31 record in NCAA tournament play, including a 26-29 record under Ken Eriksen.
The Bulls had two players named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Region First Team on Thursday. Georgina Corrick (Sanford, Fla.) and AnaMarie Bruni (Schwenksville, Pa.) were both voted to the list by association members. Corrick has led USF in the circle, posting a 22-7 record with a 0.97 ERA this season. She also is nationally-ranked in multiple statistical categories, including shutouts, where she leads all Division I pitchers with 13 this season. Bruni leads the team with a .385 average and a program single-season record 36 stolen bases.
Florida Gators (42-9)
The national four-seed Florida Gators bring a 42-9 record into regional play. The Gators were the SEC regular-season champions, posting a 19-5 record in conference play and reached the SEC Tournament Championship game before falling to Alabama, 4-0.
The Gators are led on offense by junior infielder Charla Echols, who has hit .384 in 146 at bats this season with 14 home runs and 53 RBI, leading the team in all three categories. Senior infielder Hannah Adams has a .379 average, ranking second on the team, and has added 10 homers and 37 RBIs to her totals. In the circle, junior Elizabeth Hightower and senior Natalie Lugo have each handled over 100 innings for Florida this season. Hightower has a 16-5 record with a 1.64 ERA and Lugo has a 16-2 record with a 1.71 ERA.
The Bulls have played Florida 66 times with a 13-53 record all-time, including four meetings this season.
Baylor Bears (27-21)
Baylor posted a 27-21 record in the 2021 regular season and an 8-9 record in Big 12 play. The Bears lost all three games it played in the Big 12 Tournament.
Sophomore outfielder Lou Gilbert leads Baylor on offense, hitting .336 with 35 runs and 20 RBIs this season. Behind her, freshman utility Emily Hott has hit .325 with nine doubles this season. Senior pitcher Gia Rodoni has handled the bulk of innings for the Bears this season with an 11-11 record and a 4.84 ERA.
USF has played the Bears three times in program history and holds a 2-1 advantage in the all-time series.
South Alabama Jaguars (30-19)
South Alabama, runners-up in the Sun Belt Conference, enters NCAA tournament play with a 30-19 record and a 13-9 record in conference play.
Sophomore outfielder Mackenzie Brasher paces the Jaguars on offense, hitting .374 in 131 at bats. Junior infielder Meredith Keel has a .364 with 13 RBIs. Freshman pitcher Olivia Lackey has handled 174.2 innings for South Alabama with a 18-10 record and a 2.28 ERA.
If the Bulls meet South Alabama this weekend, it will mark the first meeting between the two teams.
Regional Schedule
Game 1: USF vs. Florida | 2 p.m. | May 21 | ESPNU
Game 2: South Alabama vs. Baylor | 4:30 p.m. | May 21 | ESPN3
Game 3: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner | 2 p.m. | May 22
Game 4: Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser | 4:30 p.m. | May 22
Game 5: Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 winner | 7 p.m. | May 22
Game 6: Game 3 winner vs. Game 5 winner | Noon | May 23
Game 7 (If Necessary): Game 6 winner vs. Game 6 loser | 2:30 p.m. | May 23
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 –
