TAMPA, March 7, 2024– The University of South Florida softball will welcome the Charlotte 49ners to the USF Softball Stadium to start their conference slate this Friday through Sunday.
The first 500 fans to Friday’s game will receive a free t-shirt. On Saturday, South Florida will have its annual Salute to Service game.
South Florida earned the program’s 1,500th win on Monday in game one of the doubleheader against Villanova. The Bulls defeated the Wildcats with a score of 5-2, making them the first current AAC softball program to reach 1,500 program wins.
Ken Eriksen also hit a milestone on Monday. With the 5-1 win in game two, Eriksen became the seventh active DI head softball coach to reach as many wins. He is only the second of the seven coaches to reach the milestone at one school. The other is Patty Gasso at Oklahoma.
In last Wednesday’s first game against Stetson, redshirt-sophomore pitcher Payton Dixon set a new career high of 13 strikeouts. It was the most strikeouts thrown by a South Florida pitcher since May 6, 2022, when Georgina Corrick struck out 15 at Memphis. Dixon has a total of 63 strikeouts on the season, leading the American and ranking 19th in the nation.
Belle Sardja has pitched in 70.1 innings so far this season. She leads the American and the nation in innings pitched.
Round Up for the Opponents
Charlotte (10-8)
Date: March 8-10 | 4 p.m. | 5 p.m. | 11 a.m.
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: Statbroadcast
Series vs. Louisville: South Florida leads, 31-1
Notable Information:
- RHP Sam Gress has 27 strikeouts to just five walks this year. Her 5.40 K/BB ratio and 0.89 BB/7 are both tops in The American.
- OF Abigail Knight has hits in three straight games. On Sunday, she went 2-for-4 with three RBI against Minnesota. Knight has been on base in 16 of her 18 games and has a .446 OBP.
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 –
