TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 25, 2006) ? The University of South Florida softball team had a tough time getting its offense going against Kent State on Saturday, losing 2-0 in day two of the Louisville Slugger Invitational held at the USF Softball Field.

Kent State pitcher Brittney Robinson baffled USF batters, only giving up one hit in her complete-game shutout.

USF pitcher Cristi Ecks (3-4) had a solid outing for the Bulls, keeping the game scoreless until the top of the sixth inning. The freshman gave up seven hits and only walked one batter, but didn't get the run support needed.

The Golden Flashes (3-3) scored their only needed runs in the sixth, challenging Ecks by loading up the bases with no outs. With the Bulls one out away from ending Kent State's chance after a fly out and a strikeout put two outs on the board, a two-RBI single up the middle gave the Golden Flashes a 2-0 lead.

Kent State had a scoring opportunity in the fourth inning, but the USF defense came up big when needed. After loading up the bases with only one out, Whitney Lebowitz came up to bat and hit a grounder to Ecks. The pitcher threw home for the force out and USF got the runner out at first base, turning the double play to end Kent State's scoring chance.

Tiffany Stewart tallied the only hit in the game for the Bulls, bunting for a single in the bottom of the fourth.

USF, the No. 3 seed, will play No. 2 seed Indiana at 6:30 p.m. The winner will advance to the championship game on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.