GREENVILLE, N.C., April 20, 2024 –The University of South Florida softball team (31-18, 10-11 AAC) split the final day of the series with the East Carolina Pirates (32-16, 9-13 AAC) on Saturday afternoon.
The Bulls won the first game with a final score of 1-0, before falling 8-1 in game two.
Game 1| South Florida 1, ECU 0
The Bulls and Pirates settled into a pitcher’s duel, neither team scoring through four innings. South Florida was the first team to score.
Olivia Elliott (Tampa) hit a lead-off double and then advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt from Rian Eigenmann (Millville, N.J.). Elliott scored the first run of the game on a sacrifice fly from Bailey Drapola (Brookfield, Ohio).
Payton Dixon earned her 23rd start of the season. She pitched her 10th complete game of the season and her third shutout. Dixon earned her 16th win while striking out seven.
Game 2 | South Florida 1, ECU 8
South Florida wasted no time to get on the board. Rian Eigenmann hit a solo home run to center field to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead.
East Carolina took the lead in the bottom half of the first with a two-run home run. They extended their lead in the second inning to 3-1.
The Pirates extended their lead in the fifth inning and then again in the sixth inning.
Belle Sardja (Gibsonton) earned her 21st start. She pitched four innings. Lexie Kopko (Stewartstown, Pa.) and Alex Wright (Auburndale) also made an appearance in the circle.
Notables
- Dixon struck out seven, bringing her season total to 134.
- Eigenmann hit her first home run of the season.
- Alexa Galligani stretched her on-base streak to 20 before being snapped in game two.
- Eigenmann had her sixth multi-hit performance.
Up Next
South Florida will welcome Florida Atlantic next weekend for Senior Day. Prior to Friday’s game, the Bulls will honor the senior class of Sam Mallinder, Bailey Drapola, Alyssa Rano, Rian Eigenmann, Marissa Trivelpiece, Lexie Kopko, and Jordyn Kadlub.
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 –
