GAINESVILLE, Fla. (May 20, 2006) ? The University of South Florida softball team advanced to the championship game of the NCAA Gainesville Regional, defeating Florida Atlantic University, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon at the UF Softball Stadium.

The story of the day was the strong pitching efforts from USF starter Bree Spence and reliever Cristi Ecks, who combined for the shutout win.

Spence got the start in the circle and scattered three hits in three and one-third innings of work.

In the fourth inning with a FAU runner at second base and one out, Ecks was called out of the bullpen to get USF out of the inning and did so, forcing consecutive ground outs. The freshman retired 12-straight batters ? including four-consecutive Ks ? to shut down the Owls and end the game in the Bulls' favor. Ecks (23-11) picked up the win in three and two-thirds hitless innings.

Senior Christie Chapman won the game for USF with one swing of the bat, putting the lone run on the board thanks to a solo home run to right field in the bottom of the fourth inning. Chapman's blast was the 24th of her career, moving her into sole possession of third place in the USF all-time record books.

“What a great tandem pitching job for USF today by Spence and Ecks,” coach Ken Eriksen said. “A timely hit by Chapman ? her bat's hot and we are riding her right now. She wants to get as many hits as she wants in the tournament and I'm not going to tell her to stop. We've been getting pretty good defense and pitching and that's what's going to win it in crucial situations for us.”

No. 25 USF (49-23) will play FAU in the championship game on Sunday at noon. FAU defeated the Florida Gators, 1-0, Saturday night to advance.