TAMPA, Fla. (March 18, 2006) ? The University of South Florida softball team lost to Florida International, 5-2, on Sunday morning and was eliminated from the Speedline Invitational Championship Bracket.

FIU got on the board first, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning. After a single put Deomni Murray at first, a USF error advanced her to third base and she scored off a ground out.

With one swing of the bat USF went ahead in the game, taking a 2-1 lead thanks to a Christie Chapman two-run homer to left field. The home run was the fourth of the year for the senior.

In the top of the fifth inning, the Golden Panthers reclaimed the lead, 3-2. With runners on second and third, a bases-clearing triple gave FIU the one-run lead with two outs on the board.

FIU (15-17) added to its lead in the sixth inning, scoring two runs, 5-2. A single followed by a USF error put runners at second and third with no outs and a bunt scored FIU's first run. With runners still at second and third, Jennifer Powell struck out but advanced to first and a run scored thanks to a passed ball on the third strike. 

The Bulls (21-16) had a scoring opportunity in the sixth inning but couldn't take advantage. After back-to-back singles by Krista Holle and Chapman put runners on, USF had three chances to tie it up with the tying run at bat. FIU's defense came up big, as their center fielder and left fielder made diving catches to strand both USF base runners.

Bree Spence (7-5) was credited with the loss, striking out six batters, while allowing four runs ? only two of which were earned ? in her five innings of work.

Freshman Cristi Ecks came in relief of Spence in the sixth inning and didn't allow a hit, while striking out three in her two innings of work. Although a run was scored while Ecks was in the circle, it was unearned.

USF will look to get back on the winning track when its plays a doubleheader against Illinois-Chicago at 4 p.m. on Tuesday at the USF Softball Field.