TAMPA, Feb. 23, 2024 – Olivia Elliott (Tampa) had the game-winning RBI in the University of South Florida softball team’s (8-5) extra-inning win over the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers (5-3) on Friday night. The Bulls won with a score of 2-1 in eight innings.
South Florida and Loyola-Chicago quickly settled into a pitcher’s duel. The Bulls got their first hit in the third inning with a stand-up double from Alexa Galligani (White Plains, N.Y.).
Through the first five innings, Belle Sardja (Gibsonton) had struck out five batters, three of whom were caught looking.
A sacrifice fly from Marissa Trivelpiece (Sugarloaf, Pa.) gave South Florida the 1-0 lead over Loyola-Chicago in the sixth inning. Galligani started the inning with her second stand-up double of the game. She advanced to third on a single from Olivia Elliott (Tampa).
Sardja settled down in the fifth and sixth innings, not allowing a Ramblers hit. In the two innings, she added three more strikeouts for a total of seven.
Loyola-Chicago tied the game at one in the top of the seventh inning.
Payton Dixon (Smyrna, Del.) pitched the final two innings and earned her fourth win of the season.
Notables
- Galligani led with two doubles.
- Sardja finished with seven strikeouts.
- Dixon is undefeated in the circle.
- Elliott recorded her fourth RBI of the season.
- South Florida improves to 2-0 in extra innings.
Up Next
The Bulls will continue the South Florida Showdown tomorrow with a matchup against the Pitt Panthers. The first pitch is set for 2 p.m.
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 –
