TAMPA - Freshman pitcher Lindsey Richardson of the University of South Florida softball team was named the BIG EAST Pitcher of the Week, in an announcement made by the conference office Monday afternoon.

Richardson threw two complete-game shutouts over the weekend as the Bulls opened conference play by sweeping all three games against Seton Hall at the USF Softball Stadium. On Friday in the first game of a twinbill, the right-hander went all seven innings, allowing just five hits - all singles - with just one walk while striking out four in a 7-0 victory over the Pirates. It marked the first complete-game shutout of Richardson's young career.

She followed that up less than 24 hours later with another rock-solid performance, tossing five innings on Saturday as the Bulls upended Seton Hall again, 8-0. Richardson recorded her fourth complete game of the year while scattering four hits - again all singles - with one walk and six K's.

"It is a well-deserved honor," said head coach Ken Eriksen. "Her team played well behind her because her aggressiveness helps keep everyone in the ball game."

For the week, Richardson pitched 12 scoreless innings, giving up nine hits and two walks with 10 strikeouts to help USF improve its overall record to 18-16 on the season.

The rookie owns an 8-3 record on the season with a 1.86 ERA, allowing just 19 earned runs in 71.1 innings. Richardson has given up 68 hits and 11 walks while striking out 91 and limiting batters to a .251 average.

The Bulls will be back in action this weekend as the team treks north to North Dame for a three-game set beginning with a doubleheader at noon Saturday. Sunday's game, also set to start at noon, will be broadcast on CBS College Sports.