PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 9, 2006) ? The University of South Florida softball team continued its undefeated BIG EAST record and extended its win streak to a season-high nine games when it defeated Providence College, 8-3, 3-2, at Raymond Field Sunday afternoon.
In game one, the Bulls (36-18, 6-0 BIG EAST) got their offense charged in the top of the first inning, quickly loading up the bases with one out. Krista Holle came up to bat and hit a bases-clearing double, giving USF a 3-0 lead. The Bulls added another run to the scoreboard off of a Friar throwing error, ending the inning with a 4-0 advantage.
With one swing of the bat USF took a five-run lead, as Tiffany Stewart blasted a solo shot over the centerfield fence, tallying her eighth homer of the season.
The Bulls got into trouble in the fifth inning, as two singles and a walk loaded up the bases with one out. Starter Cristi Ecks came up big when needed and retired the last two batters on a strikeout and a groundout, holding the Friars scoreless.
USF's bats continued into the seventh inning, as consecutive RBIs by Holle, Ashley Bullion and Carly Griffin gave the Bulls the 8-0 lead.
Providence (19-10, 4-6 BIG EAST) tried to mount a comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning, ending the Bulls' shutout thanks to home runs by Mary Sheehy and Tara Sullivan, 8-3. However it was too little to late and the Bulls got the win.
Ecks (15-9) earned the victory, allowing five hits and no runs while striking out six. Nicole Christensen started the seventh, but gave up the three Friar runs and Ecks entered into the game to get the three outs to end the game.
In game two, Danielle Urbanik gave USF the early 1-0 lead in the second inning, coming up to bat and hitting homer off of the first pitch of her at bat.
Providence tied up the game the same way USF took the lead thanks to a Katie Ross solo-shot to left field, evening up the game, 1-1.
In the top of the seventh the Bull broke the stalemate and took a 3-1 lead. With runners at first and second and only one out left before the inning was over, Christie Chapman hit the ball just fair down the right-field line, tallying an RBI. The right fielder grabbed the ball and threw to home plate, but the throw passed the cutoff man and went into the dugout scoring another run, 3-1.
With the game close throughout its entirety, Providence was resilient and made a comeback in the seventh. Gina Rossi hit a lead-off home run to centerfield, cutting the Bulls' lead down to one. A single put the tying run on, but Bree Spence sealed the victory and closed out the inning with the 3-2 win.
Spence (16-6) had a solid outing in the circle for USF as did her counterpart Sara Surosky. Both only gave up five hits each in the game, but Spence confused batters when it mattered most, earning the win.
USF will play its last non-conference game of the season when it takes on in-state rival UCF on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the USF Softball Field.
