TAMPA, Fla. (March 18, 2006) ? The University of South Florida softball team defeated Troy University, 1-0, in its first game of the Speedline Invitational championship bracket on Saturday at the Greco Softball Complex.

With the win, USF advances to play the winner of the Illinois-Chicago/FIU game held at the USF Softball Field on Sunday at 8:30 a.m.

The Bulls (21-15) jumped out to the early lead, scoring the lone run, 1-0, in the top of the first inning. After a single by Krista Holle and a double by Christie Chapman put runners at second and third with one out, a passed ball scored Holle from third, giving USF all it needed for the win.

The game featured a duel between USF pitcher Cristi Ecks and Troy pitcher Laine Harcourt. Ecks (9-8) got the best of her counterpart, tossing the shutout. In her complete game, the freshman struck out eight batters, scattered four hits and only allowed one walk.

Harcourt (7-8) gave aup six hits to USF and struck out eight batters, but was not charged with an earned run in her loss.