MACON, Ga. (March 25, 2006) ? The University of South Florida softball team's six-game win streak came to an end Saturday morning, losing, 5-3, to Mercer University at its Nissan Invitational in Macon, Ga.

After the Bulls (27-17) went three-up and three-down for the first two innings, they were able to get their offense going and take a 3-0 lead, scoring all their runs with two outs. With runners at first and second, Krista Holle hit the ball down the left line, driving in a run off a base-hit. Christie Chapman came up to bat and drove the ball into the gap in right center for a double, knocking in two more runs for USF.

With one swing of the bat in the fourth inning, Mercer took the lead of the game, in which it never relinquished. Shortstop C.J. Martin took advantage of a bases-loaded situation and hit a grand-slam home run to left field off of USF starter Bree Spence, putting the Bears up 4-3.

In the bottom of the fourth inning USF had the tying and go-ahead run on the corners with two outs on the board, however Mercer starter Katie Rosentreter struck out Caitlin Schneider to end the Bulls opportunity.

Mercer (9-15) scored an insurance run in the top of the sixth inning after a double and a wild pitch put a runner at third and scored off a sacrifice fly.

Spence (10-6) went five innings in the game, allowing five runs ? only four of which were earned ? and five hits, while striking out four. Kasey Cash came in relief of Spence and pitched the final two innings in which she didn't allow a hit.

Rosentreter (7-7) pitched a complete game, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out 12 USF batters.

With the loss, the Bulls become the No. 2 seed in the tournament and will have to beat Troy University Saturday night to advance to the championship game.