TULSA, OK, March 15, 2024 – The University of South Florida softball team (22-9, 2-2 AAC) earned its eighth shutout win of the season with a 3-0 win over the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (16-8, 3-1 AAC) to open the weekend series on Friday night.
South Florida is now tied for 11th in the nation with eight shutouts. Florida leads DI with 15, while East Carolina leads the conference with nine.
The Bulls wasted no time putting runs on the board, leading the game off with two walks and a single to load the bases. Alanah Rivera (St. Petersburg) singled to bring in her 18th RBI of the season. Marissa Trivelpiece (Sugarloaf, Pa.) walked in the Bull’s second run.
In the sixth inning, Tulsa had the tying run on second. Payton Dixon (Smyrna, Del.) struck out the next two batters, one looking and one swinging. South Florida got out of the inning with a groundout to hold the 2-0 lead.
It wasn’t until the top of the seventh that South Florida scored again. Trivelpiece led off the inning with a solo home run over the center field wall. It was her first home run of the season.
Belle Sardja (Gibsonton) earned her 14th start of the season. Through the first five innings, she had retired two batters and allowed no walks. Dixon entered in the top of the sixth inning and pitched the final two innings.
Notables
- Sardja earned her ninth win of the season.
- Dixon earned her second save of the season.
- Trivelpiece hit her first home run of the season.
- The Bulls move to 2-2 in conference play.
- South Florida has eight shutout wins this season. Last year, the Bulls finished with 12.
- They are undefeated in shutouts.
- Alex Wilkes (Tampa) led with two hits.
Up Next
South Florida will continue the series with the Tulsa Golden Hurricane tomorrow afternoon. The first pitch is set for 3 p.m. (E.T.).
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 –
