TAMPA, Feb. 12, 2024 – The University of South Florida softball team improves to 4-2 on the season after a 4-1 win over the Kansas Jayhawks (2-3-1) on Monday afternoon at the USF Softball Stadium.
A three-run fifth inning gave South Florida the runs it needed to take and hold the lead over the Jayhawks. Rian Eigenmann (Millville, N.J.) started the inning with a single, then advanced on a sacrifice bunt. A single from Alexa Galligani (White Plains, N.Y.) put runners on the corners.
Sam Mallinder (Plainfield, Ill.) showed her discipline at the plate and earned a walk to load the bases. Kansas walked a run in, hitting Camille Ortiz-Martinez (Salinas, Puerto Rico) and giving South Florida the 2-1 lead. Alanah Rivera (St. Petersburg) hit a two-RBI single to grow the Bulls lead to 4-1.
After 675 days, missing last season due to injury, Rivera hit a solo home run in the second inning to give South Florida the early lead. Half an inning later, the Kansas Jayhawks tied it up after two singles and a sacrifice bunt.
Payton Dixon (Smyrna, Del.) earned her third season start and pitched five innings. She struck out four batters and earned her second win. Belle Sardja (Gibsonton) pitched the final two innings and earned her first save as a Bull.
Notables
- South Florida is 12 wins from reaching 1,500 in program history.
- Head coach Ken Eriksen is 13 wins from hitting 1,100 in his career.
- Rivera has reached base safely in five straight games and has a four-game hit streak.
- Sardja earned her first save as a Bull.
- The Bulls pitching struck out five batters.
- Rivera and Eigenmann led the Bulls with two hits each.
Up Next
South Florida will host the first annual Fonseca Memorial Tournament at USF this Thursday through Sunday. The Bulls will welcome Illinois-Chicago, Boston College, Purdue, and Hofstra.
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 17 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women’s College World Series in 2012.
– #GoBulls –
