Ken Eriksen is nearing 1,100 wins in his career.
TAMPA, March 3, 2024 – Pitching duo Payton Dixon (Smyrna, Del.) and Belle Sardja (Gibsonton) threw a one-hit shutout in the University of South Florida softball team’s (15-6) win over the Central Michigan Chippewas (1-13) on Sunday afternoon. The Bulls won with a score of 3-0.
With the win, South Florida is now one win away from reaching 1,500 wins in program history, while Ken Eriksen is two away from reaching 1,100 career wins. The Bulls look to reach the milestones in tomorrow’s doubleheader against Villanova.
South Florida’s shutout is the seventh of the season making the Bulls one of eight teams in the nation to shutout seven or more opponents.
The Bulls wasted no time to score. After back-to-back Bulls were hit, Alex Wilkes (Tampa) hit an RBI single through the left side to drive Kathy Garcia-Soto (Tampa) across the plate for her third RBI of her career.
South Florida would not add another run until the fifth inning. A single from Jordyn Kadlub (Wesley Chapel) and Garcia-Soto put runners on the corners. Garcia-Soto would get caught in a rundown but kept it going long enough for Kadlub to steal home.
South Florida would add to their lead in the sixth inning on a fielding error by Central Michigan’s third baseman.
Dixon earned her ninth start of the season. She pitched five innings and struck out six batters. She allowed one hit in the fourth inning. Sardja pitched the final two innings, striking out three and earning her third save of the season.
Notables
- South Florida is now one win away from reaching 1,500 in program history.
- Ken Eriksen is now two wins away from 1,100 in his career.
- The Bulls are one of eight teams in the nation to shut out seven or more opponents.
Up Next
South Florida will close out the USF Tournament with a doubleheader against Villanova. The doubleheader is slated to start at 3 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 –
