TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 20, 2006) ? The University of South Florida softball team won its fourth-straight game of the season, defeating Jacksonville, 5-1, in day three of the Wilson Invitational at the USF softball field.

Bree Spence (3-0) led the way for USF, picking up her second win in as many days. The sophomore threw for six and two-thirds innings, scattering five hits while striking out seven batters and not allowing a walk.

The Bulls (6-4) opened up the scoring in the first, loading up the bases and scoring two runs, 2-0. With runners at first and second with one out, an error loaded up the bases for Krista Holle, who hit a two-RBI single to give USF the early lead.

In the fourth inning USF added another run to cushion its lead, making the score 3-0 in its favor. Ashley Bullion hit a double down the right-line to lead off the inning and advanced to third base thanks to a sacrifice bunt by Sarah Watson. A single through the right side by Kattrina Dowd scored Bullion easily from third.

Jacksonville (3-9) got on the board in the top of the sixth, manufacturing a run to cut the Bulls' lead down to two runs. A lead-off double and a sacrifice bunt put Katie Pestrak on third, who crossed home plate when Janine Palumbo hit a single to shallow right field to make the score 3-1.

With one swing of the bat USF put the game out of reach in the bottom of the sixth, as Carly Griffin hit her first home run of the year ? a two-run shot over the left-field fence ? to give USF a 5-1 lead.

The Bulls will face Hofstra at 7:20 p.m. tonight at the USF Softball Field. The winner of the game will be the Wilson Invitational Champion, as both teams come into the game with a 4-0 record through this weekend's tournament.