Two-Run Home Run By Savarese Triggers A 2-1 Comeback

Friday, February 19

TAMPA

3:45 p.m.

University of South Florida

Michigan State

Two-Run Home Run By Savarese Triggers A 2-1 Comeback

February 20, 2010 | Softball

By: USF

USF 2, Michigan State 1 | Box Score | Season Stats


	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Michigan State	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	0
USF	0	0	0	0	0	2	x	2	7	0

Pitching	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO
W- Catalano	7.0	7	1	1	1	8
L- Confer	5.1	7	2	2	2	2

Hitting Leaders	AB	R	H	RBI	HR	BB
USF - Savarese	3	1	2	2	1	0
MSU - Bensema	2	1	1	1	1	1

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TAMPA – One swing of the bat was the difference maker in the game between the University of South Florida softball team and Michigan State. The Bulls defeated the Spartans, 2-1, off an Alison Savarese home run in the sixth inning.

Savarese hit her fourth dinger in four consecutive games to lead the Bulls with a 1.000 slugging percentage on the year with 10 RBI.

"I thought we played some decent softball today," said head coach Ken Eriksen. "We are continuing to hit a lot of balls right at people. Eventually they will find places. The hitter's that are seeing some success right now, like Ali Savarese, Jo Jo Medina and Lexi Nowell are hitters that work extra in the batting cage. They are also being very aggressive. I feel the epitome of our aggressiveness was on display when Kendall Arnold drove in two runs in a pinch hitting role. If we can continue to move in that direction for all the hitters I think we can accomplish a lot. "

Redshirt sophomore Capri Catalano made her first start of the 2010 season earning her second win, throwing all seven innings while only surrendering two hits, one hit and striking out eight.

"I am real excited about what Catalano did today against a very potent Michigan State line-up," said Eriksen. "It is great to see her back in form for this early in the season."

The Bulls earned their 10th win over the Spartans, scattering seven hits in the win.

Michigan State was first to strike as Melanie Bensema lifted a ball over the left field fence to take the early 1-0 lead in the second inning. Both teams were held scoreless until Savarese hit her fourth dinger in her fourth consecutive game. A crucial one out walk by JoJo Medina put her on with Savarese stepping to the plate.

Senior Cat Olnick and Savarese led all hitters with two hits a piece while Stormi Grzybek, Alexis Nowell and Medina each recorded a hit.

The Bulls held Michigan State's Kelly Confer winless as she allowed seven hits, two walks and two earned runs.

USF returns back in action tomorrow for the second day of the USF La Quinta Inn and Suites Tournament as they face North Dakota State at 1:30 p.m. followed by North Carolina State at 3:45 p.m.