TAMPA, March 8, 2024 – The University of South Florida softball team (17-6, 1-0 AAC) earned their first conference win in a 4-3, 11-inning battle over the Charlotte 49ners (10-9, 0-1 AAC) on Friday night.
With Kathy Garcia-Soto on third base, Olivia Elliott (Tampa) hit a walk-off single to left field to earn their first conference win. It was Elliott’s second walk-off hit of the season. Her first was against Loyola-Chicago on February 23.
The 11-inning game is now tied for the longest game in the American this season. Memphis defeated UT Martin 7-6 on March 1.
Charlotte had the first scoring threat of the game in the top of the fourth inning. Back-to-back singles and stolen base put runners in scoring position. South Florida was one strike away from ending the inning, but Charlotte hit a three-run home run to take the lead.
Back-to-back errors by Charlotte’s third basemen put runners on for South Florida in the fifth inning, followed by a groundout that advanced them into scoring position. Kathy Garcia-Soto scored the Bulls’ first run on a wild pitch.
The two-out rally continued with the bases loaded and Alanah Rivera (St. Petersburg) at the plate. Rivera knocked a two-RBI single through the left side to tie the game at three.
South Florida and Charlotte went to extra innings. In the top of the eighth, the Bulls capitalized on a double play run down. Back-to-back walks put two runners on for the 49ners, but a pop fly to Jordyn Kadlub (Wesley Chapel) ended the inning.
Belle Sardja (Gibsonton) earned her 10th start of the season and pitched seven innings. She struck out four batters. Payton Dixon (Smyrna, Del.) pitched the remainder of the game, earning her ninth win of the season.
Notables
- Inning-wise, the Bulls and 49ners are tied for the longest game of the year in the AAC.
- The other 11-inning game was between Memphis and UT Martin.
- Elliott stretches her on-base streak to eight.
- Dixon leads the team with nine wins.
Up Next
South Florida and Charlotte will close out the weekend tomorrow with a doubleheader starting at 3 p.m. The Bulls and 49ners moved Sunday’s game up to tomorrow due to the threat of inclement weather.
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 –
