TAMPA – The University of South Florida softball team had a season high 16 hits en route to a 5-4 victory over Saint Joseph's on Tuesday night at the USF Softball Stadium.
"We are really enthusiast because we really worked hard yesterday on our approaches and our aggression," said head coach Ken Eriksen. "Cat did a great job and our slappers did a good job putting the ball on the ground in crucial situations."
Saint Joseph's was first to strike in the top half of the first when Brook Darreff doubled to right center with runners on first and second. A second run came across on an USF error to put the Hawks up early, 2-0.
The Bulls quickly responded with two runs in the bottom of the first on four USF hits. Senior Tara Toscano hit a chopper over the head of St. Joe's third baseman to reach first. Senior Alison Savarese lined a shot down the left field line and after an error by the left fielder, Toscano easily reached home. Senior JoJo Medina lined a ball up the middle scoring Savarese from second to even the game 2-2 after one inning of play.
Senior Kristen Gordon (1-1) came into relief for team leading 11 appearances in the second inning with a runner on second, for starter Capri Catalano. The righty got her first win of the year, tossing 6.0 innings, striking out four and not allowing a walk.
"What I am really excited about is that we did not walk one batter," said Eriksen. "In a very offensive game, we did not extend any innings for them and by doing that it gives us a chance."
Sophomore second baseman Alexis Nowell led off the second inning with a lined single to centerfield. Singles by Gina Kafalas and pinch hitter Kendall Arnold, loaded the bases for USF's RBI leader Savarese. Once again the righty delivered, roping a shot to right field giving the Bulls a 3-2 lead.
Toscano reached first on an error by the Hawks and stole second for her second one of the season in the fourth. Toscano tried to score from second on an Olnick base hit but St. Joe's catcher held tightly onto the ball to record the final out of the fourth inning.
Saint Joseph's scored in the fifth inning to even the score 3-3 but a great defensive relay got Laura Cardone thrown out at a play at the plate to end the Hawks rally. A bloop single past diving left fielder Kelly McCarver allowed Toscano to relay a ball to Savarese who threw home to Olnick who stood her ground at home tagging the sliding Cardone.
Three consecutive singles by Nowell, McCarver and Kafalas in the fifth was just what the Bulls needed. With bases loaded, Savarese delivered again, giving the Bulls the 4-3 lead with her second RBI of the night.
Savarese, the Bulls leading run producer, now has 22 RBI, surpassing her season total from last year.
The Hawks were quick to respond after Bernadette Moran led off with a double to right center. A sacrifice bunt put Moran in scoring position and a single to left center tied the game at four.
With one out in the sixth, Olnick got her fourth hit of the game to left field. Lauren Rodriguez, who entered the game defensively the previous inning, earned a walk on a full count. Nowell singled through the left side, tying her career high with three hits in one game. Olnick reached home breaking the tie the giving the Bulls the 5-4 lead in the inning.
"Coach says enthusiasm gets you two runs," said Olnick. "Our team was up for that game and our enthusiasm was there. Everyone was really positive throughout the game even when we were down. We just still need to take it day-by-day and game-by-game."
Gordon went into the last inning sitting down the Hawks in order, striking out two.
Erin Gallagher (5-4) suffered the loss hurling 4.2 innings, giving two runs and allowing eight hits.
The Bulls face Maine in a doubleheader at the USF Softball Stadium with the first pitch at 5 p.m.
