TAMPA - Although the University of South Florida softball team outhit the No. 22 Ohio State Buckeyes, 5-3, the Bulls lost 1-0 on a first inning home run.
Freshman Lindsey Richardson (5-3) tossed a complete game, earning the loss and striking out eight while scattering three hits.
"It was all Lindsey today," said head coach Ken Eriksen. "It's a shame we couldn't get any runs from her. She really gave us great opportunity to win the ball game. You're talking about a pre-season top 15 team, and we're holding them to three hits, while striking out eight. It's probably one of the better games I have seen pitched here in a couple of years. I am pretty excited for her and excited for our team."
Sam Marder knocked her 11th home run of the season over the left field wall, on a 1-0 pitch, in the top of the first inning.
"You can't make any mistakes on All-American Sam Marder," said Eriksen. "It's a situation where I called a bad pitch and I blame myself."
To lead off the second inning, senior Alison Savarese singled to left field for her fifth straight game. Ohio State attempted to turn a double play on a grounder by JoJo Medina, but an erroneous throw for the second out went wide, landing Medina on second. After Kendall Arnold walked with two outs, the Bulls could not push across the tying road.
To start the fourth, sophomore Janine Richardson laid down a bunt single for her first of two hits. Medina singled to left to put runners on first and second for the second time in the game for the Bulls. With two runners in scoring position, the Bulls left them stranded, leaving the Buckeyes with the lead, 1-0.
"I thought our effort was fantastic," said Eriksen. "I would say tonight was the best attitude efforts we have had."
In a pitching battle, only three hits combined were allowed from the fifth inning on.
Melanie Nicols (7-0) hurled a complete game, surrendering five hits, no runs, striking out four, while walking one.
The Bulls continue with play against Dartmouth tomorrow at 5 p.m. at the USF Softball Stadium.
"You go in facing Dartmouth like it's a new day because it is a new day," said Eriksen. "Brittany Bowles is going to get the ball, and she is going to try and match the performance of Lindsey."
