By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

TAMPA - Jessica Mouse's bat and dependable pitching paved the way for USF softball's 3-0 weekend.

Mouse's two-run single in the bottom of the sixth inning was all USF softball needed to beat Georgia Southern, 2-0, and improve to 6-1 this season Sunday at USF Softball Stadium.

"She's worked so hard on her hitting," said head coach Ken Eriksen of Mouse, who went 2-for-3. "It was a clutch performance. It didn't look like she was trying to jerk the ball or kill it, just a smooth approach on the ball."

That was enough support for starter Lindsey Richardson, who gave up three hits and struck out nine in six complete innings. The junior pitched 11 innings, collected three wins this weekend and now has a 0.69 earned run average in five appearances this season.

"Lindsey keeps you in the ball game," Eriksen said. "She's been phenomenal all year and it's due to hard work. What she's put into it is unbelievable."

Sam Greiner earned the save after coming into the game with one on in the seventh. The freshman struck out three batters and kept her ERA at zero.

Both teams combined for just three hits until the bottom of the fifth when the Bulls put together their first real scoring threat of the game.

Mouse legged out an infield single, advanced to second on a fielder's choice and got to third on a bunt single by Gina Kafalas. USF failed to plate a run, however, when D'Anna Devine grounded out to the pitcher.

The Bulls were back in business in the sixth when Janine Richardson led off with a double to left-center.  USF had two on when a passed ball moved the runners over to second and third. Kenshyra Jackson was hit by a pitch to load the bases with one out and Mouse came through with the game-winning hit.

"We were in hitting counts and forced them to throw strikes," Eriksen said.

The Bulls were the lone team to go undefeated at the USF Invitational and will take their three-game winning streak on the road to face Illinois 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater.

"We really have to start preparing for practice on Tuesday," Eriksen said.