TAMPA - The University of South Florida wrapped up the USF Fairfield Inn and Suites Tampa North Tournament over the weekend to open their brand new stadium, and GoUSFBulls.com and Bullsvision have a complete recap of the weekend's action.
To view a highlight video from the USF Tournament, be sure to check out BullsVision.
Overall Tournament Stats | Season Stats
The Bulls posted a 2-3 record over the weekend, and moved into their sparkling new stadium for the first time. For Eriksen and the Bulls the new stadium was a dream come true.
Thurs. Feb. 24 | USF 8, Central Connecticut 0 F/ 5 inn. | Recap | Box Score | Eriksen Interview
Head coach Ken Eriksen and the Bulls could not have asked for a better start to the new era of USF softball, as they made quick work of the Blue Devils in front of a crowd of 785. The new USF Softball Stadium took center stage on the night, but pitcher Lindsey Richardson and shortstop Kourtney Salvarola shined nearly as bright. Richardson had her best outing of the young 2011 season, going 4.0 innings while allowing just a single hit in the third inning while fanning three and walking none to earn her third win of the year.
Sat. Feb. 26| No. 16 Missouri 4, USF 1 | Recap | Box Score | Eriksen Interview
The University of South Florida could not topple the Tigers on Saturday night as No. 16 Missouri kept the USF bats quiet and took the game 4-1.
The Bulls' bats collected three hits on the night, including a one run double in the bottom of the seventh by Stephanie Medina, her second of two hits on the night.
The other USF hit came from Janine Richardson who singled and scored the Bulls' lone run in the seventh.
Sat. Feb. 26| USF 3, Illinois State 2 | Recap | Box Score | Eriksen Interview
Janine Richardson provided some late-night fireworks for Bulls' fans as she ripped a two-out bases loaded single to knock off Illinois State, 3-2, in walk-off fashion. On a night in which the USF baseball team got a walk-off home run from Todd Brazeal to win the team's first game in their new stadium, the Bulls' softball team matched the excitement with a walk-off thriller of their own. The Bulls led most of the way thanks to a stellar night offensively from freshman Stephanie Medina. Medina finished the game 2-2 with the two round-trippers and a walk, and went 4-5 on the night with three RBI and two runs scored, accounting for all of USF's runs on the day.
Sun. Feb. 27 | No. 2 Alabama 12, USF 1 F/ 5 inn. | Recap | Box Score
After the emotional walk-off win late Saturday night over Illinois State, the Bulls came out flat against No. 2 Alabama, as they dropped their first game of the day, 12-1. Freshman Kourtney Salvarola provided all of the Bulls scoring with a solo home run in the bottom of the third as she went 1-for-2 on the day. Stephanie Medina kept her hot bat going with a second-inning single to improve her weekend total at the plate to 7-for-10 with six RBI and a pair of runs scored.
Sun. Feb. 27| Temple 8, USF 2 F/ 6 inn. | Recap | Box Score
USF was able to get on base, but was unable to capitalize on bases loaded opportunities throughout the game. The Bulls defense also struggled as the team committed five errors in the loss. USF left 11 on base throughout the game, but got solid production from freshman Stephanie Medina throughout the tournament, who picked up an RBI against Temple. Medina finished the weekend 7-fo-12 with seven RBI and three runs scored.
