MACON, Ga. (March 24, 2006) ? The University of South Florida softball team won back-to-back games in day one of the Mercer Nissan Invitational, defeating Siena College, 8-0, and Troy University, 2-0, at Sikes Field in Macon, Ga. on Friday morning.
With the wins, USF (27-16) extends its win streak to six games. The Bulls, who posted their fourth-straight shutout wins, have held their opponent to only one run in their last 40 innings of play.
In game one versus Siena, the Bulls got on the board first, taking a 4-0 lead. After Carly Griffin led off the inning with a single to centerfield, she scored off a throwing error by Siena's third baseman. With two outs on the board, USF took advantage, adding to its lead. Caitlin Schneider drew a walk and a single by Tiffany Stewart put two on. Back-to-back doubles by Krista Holle and Christie Chapman knocked in the Bulls' final three runs of the inning.
USF's offense got back to work in the third inning, quickly loading up the bases with no outs thanks to an Ashley Bullion single, a Saints' error and a bunt single by Laura Wolf. With a new pitcher in the game, Siena's Renee Clavette walked home two USF runs off a base on balls and a hit by pitch. Holle continued her run-scoring effort from the previous inning, tallying two RBI off a single to left field, giving the Bulls a 8-0 lead.
Bree Spence (10-5) picked up the complete-game shutout victory, her second in three days. The sophomore dished out only three hits while striking out 10, setting a new career mark in Ks.
In game two against Troy University, Trojan starter Angela Lopez baffled USF batters by only allowing two hits in six innings and never letting either runner advance past second base.
The Bulls finally got to her when it mattered most. In the top of the seventh inning, Chapman and Danielle Urbanik hit back-to-back solo home runs to lead USF to the 2-0 win.
Freshman Cristi Ecks (12-8) had a stellar outing in the circle, and like Spence, picked up her second complete-game shutout win in the three day. Although Ecks allowed six hits, she struck out eight batters and came up big when needed, stranding all seven Troy batters.
USF will continue tournament action when it faces Mercer University at noon on Saturday in day two of the Nissan Invitational.
