USF Bulls Radio

Looking to carry the momentum from their Under Armor Tournament victory this past weekend, the USF Bulls (19-10) swept the UConn Huskies (4-7) Tuesday at the USF Softball Field.

In game one, the Bulls got on the board early in the first inning after clean-up hitter Janine Richardson sent a grounder to the UConn shortstop, Jessica Arremony. Leadoff hitter Gina Kafalas beat the slow Arremony throw home to give USF an early 1-0 lead.

Later in the third inning, the Bulls would get all the insurance they would need in the game after Janine Richardson knocked in her second RBI of the game by sending a triple down the left field line, scoring Britta Giddens from second.

In an interview with GoUSFBulls.com, Richardson said, ““I was really focused this game … I am trying to get on top of ball instead of popping the ball up and I think I did a good job of making those adjustments. I am so excited.”

Kristen Gordon (4-3) pitched the complete game shutout for the Bulls, allowing only three hits while striking out eight UConn batters.

Later in game two, the momentum continued for the Bulls as they defeated UConn 5-0.

The big inning for the Bulls came in the third inning against UConn starting pitcher Rachael Crossin, as they put up four runs in the inning. Two of those runs came on an unusual defensive setup by the Huskies, as they brought right fielder Sarah Neuschwander into the infield, giving UConn five infielders instead of the usual four.

With runners on the corner, Gina Kafalas sent a slow ground ball to the UConn shortstop, who then sent a wild throw to second into the now vacant right field area. Both runners on base came around to score to give USF a 2-0 lead. The Bulls would later get two more runs on singles by JoJo Medina and Ashley Bullion, building the lead to four runs.

USF would add an insurance run later in the fifth inning as pinch-runner Becky Frye scored on a wild pitch.

Cristi Ecks (3-1) held the normally offensive UConn offense to no runs while holding them to only four hits and striking out 8. Head coach Ken Eriksen said after the game, “I was getting goose bumps right now that Cristi had no walks. Fourteen innings (shutting out) a team that is really offensive … says something about the caliber of our pitching staff.

The sweep moves the Bulls into sole possession of first place in the Big East (2-0), as they look to continue to carry momentum into this weekend’s USF Under Armour Showcase in Clearwater. The Bulls will play two games Friday versus Loyola Maramount at 4 p.m. and UMass at 6 p.m. They later play Central Michigan Saturday at 4 and George Washington at 6. The Bulls conclude the tournament with a game against Jacksonville at noon. All games will be held at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater.