By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

TAMPA - The Bulls' bats came alive late to help USF softball open the season with a 2-0 record on Friday night.

Gina Kafalas' RBI single sparked a four-run fifth inning for the Bulls in a 4-2 victory over Florida Gulf Coast University in the finale of doubleheader at USF Softball Stadium.

"They made some adjustments," USF head coach Ken Eriksen said. "We were getting jammed like crazy in hitting counts early in the ball game. We got together right before that inning and said, 'Hey, look it's a ball. That inside pitch is a ball and let it go. Have patience and good things will happen.' "

The scoring outburst was enough for reliever Sara Nevins, who gave up two runs on six hits in 2 2/3 innings to earn the win. The sophomore struck out four after making a relief appearance in USF's season opener.

USF starter Lindsey Richardson gave up two hits, walked one and struck out five in 4 1/3 scoreless innings. Richardson and Game 1 starter Sam Greiner combined to throw 10 1/3 shutout innings with 13 strikeouts in the two victories. Greiner pitched six shutout innings in the Bulls' season-opening 8-1 victory over Maine in the six-team USF Tournament.

"It feels great to know that our hard work has paid off just like everybody else behind us," Richardson said. "It feels good to finally be on the field and put it all together."

The pitchers' duel in the Bulls' second game of the day prevented any real offensive production until late in the contest.

Kourtney Salvarola got USF's first hit of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning when she doubled to deep center field with one out. Keyshyra Jackson, the next batter, fouled out near the Bulls' dugout and USF's threat ended on the same play when Salvarola was tagged out trying to advance to third.

FGCU got into scoring position right away in the top of the fifth on a double to right field by Kayla Gabel. Richardson struck out the next better and then was replaced by Nevins, who made her second relief appearance of the day.

"I was really impressed with Richardson's performance tonight. Florida Gulf Coast can swing the bat," Eriksen said. "She made some crucial outs for us in tough situations."

Nevins retired her first batter on a pop out and got a huge lift when left fielder Ashli Goff threw out Gabel at home plate for the third out after Tori Williams singled. Nevins allowed one run and struck out one in the fifth inning of USF's win over Maine.

The USF offense gave its stellar pitching a lot of support in the fifth inning.

Alexis Nowell got the Bulls into prime scoring position when she singled to right field that moved pinch runner Stephanie Juergens to third base with one out. Kafalas then put USF ahead with an RBI single up the middle that put runners on first and second.

"I was really pumped to be in that situation," Kafalas said. "I really, really wanted to get (Juergens) in."

FGCU replaced starter Britney Pugh with Amanda Josie, who got the Eagles into more trouble when her throw to third on a ground ball from Goff was dropped to load the bases. Janine Richardson put the Bulls ahead, 2-0, with a walk and they took a 3-0 lead on Stephanie Medina's bunt single. Salvarola busted the game wide open with an RBI sacrifice fly to left field.

"I thought we were well balanced tonight," Eriksen said. "We're getting people on base and moving them along really well. We did a lot of little things tonight to put pressure on the other team."

Nevins got out of a jam with two runners on in the sixth inning, but gave up a two-run homer to Emily Lanier with two outs in the seventh. FGCU's potential tying run came to the plate, but Kelsey Carpenter struck out to end the game.

"If you can't go your full seven, it's nice to know that you have an amazing pitcher like Sara to come in and just finish off what you started," Richardson said.

The Bulls' action in the tournament continues 1:45 p.m. Saturday against Long Island and they'll face Illinois State at 4 p.m. back at the USF Softball Stadium. USF finishes up with Florida 1 p.m. Sunday. Purchase tickets for the games here.