TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 10, 2006) ? After losing its first game of the day, 2-1, in extra innings, the University of South Florida softball team picked up its first win of the year in another close game, defeating Jacksonville, 7-5, at the Best Western Invitational held at the USF Softball Field.

USF jumped out to the early lead, scoring a run in the second inning, 1-0. With the bases loaded and two outs, Tiffany Stewart drew a walk to give the Bulls the early lead.

The Bulls added to their lead in the third, making the score 4-1. Christie Chapman drew a walk then stole second base. After advancing to third on a wild pitch, a single to left field by Carly Griffin scored the runner. With two outs in the inning and runners on base, back-to-back RBI singles by Samantha Ray and Krista Holle gave USF a three-run lead.

After Cristi Ecks had a strong outing in her freshman debut in a starting role, only giving up one run on four hits while only walking a batter, pitcher Nicole Christensen started the sixth inning.

After trailing for four innings the Dolphins cut the lead down to one run loading up the bases in the sixth and scoring two runs.

USF put three insurance runs on the board in the top of the seventh, but Jacksonville answered back by cutting the lead to two runs, 7-5. The Bulls put Danielle Urbanik in the game to get the final outs after the Dolphins made the game close, and she retired the all three batters to give the Bulls the win.

With the victory, USF improves its all-time record against its in-state rival to 10-0.

The Bulls will continue tournament action on Saturday when they continue day two of the Best Western Invitational at 1 p.m.