Special to GoUSFBulls.com
By: Stephen Hanewinckel

TAMPA -   The bottom half of the lineup led the way for a game two victory over Central Michigan.

The USF softball team completed the sweep of Central Michigan with three run fourth inning for a 5-2 win Friday.

Timely hitting from the bottom of the order kept USF (15-4) in it early, before pulling away for the win. Senior third basemen Jessica Mouse dropped in two game-tying RBI singles in two different innings, and senior second basemen Alexis Nowell came through in the fourth with two run single to give the Bulls the only lead they needed.

Head coach Ken Eriksen said he felt the work ethic from Nowell and the team mentality from Mouse to bat in the bottom half of the lineup shows on the scoreboard.

Freshman Sam Greiner got the starting nod, pitching four innings to earn the win, and sophomore pitcher Sara Nevins earned her second save of the season, striking out three and allowing one hit in three innings.

The Chippewas (3-9) scored first after a base-loaded error in the second, but the Bulls found the equalizer in the bottom half of the inning. A lead off double by junior Kenshyra Jackson set up an RBI single for Mouse.

Mouse experienced déjà vu in the fourth inning, driving home another tying run for the Bulls with a two out single over the third basemen. This time, USF extended the rally. With Janine Richardson and Mouse in scoring position, Nowell hit a line shot back up the middle to give the Bulls a 4-2 lead.

Richardson added an insurance run in the sixth, driving home junior Kenshyra Jackson following Jackson's double.

USF softball prepares for another four game weekend starting with a Friday doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. against Penn State.