LOUISVILLE - A couple of missed opportunities may have been the difference in a good matchup between two of the Big East powers Wednesday night.

USF (40-7 overall, 13-1 Big East) left eight runners on base in game one, losing to Louisville (39-2, 10-2) 4-1 in a well-pitched game from both sides.

Sara Nevins picked up the loss, allowing three hits in three innings, and was relieved by Sam Greiner, who threw two-plus innings without allowing a hit. Lindsey Richardson came on for the final three outs, surrendering just a single.

Louisville scored three early against Nevins, making use of a two-RBI single in the second and an RBI double in the third to set the pace in the first half of the game.

The Bulls got one back in the fifth as Janine Richardson hit a ball sharply to third and reached on an error, then stole second. She scored as Jessica Mouse drove a single just over the Louisville infield.

USF had other opportunities, loading the bases with one out in the second, and collecting back-to-back leadoff singles in the sixth. Both times, the Bulls stranded all runners as Louisville pitcher Tori Collins pitched out of jams with a good off-speed selection.

The Cardinals picked up an insurance run in the sixth inning, taking advantage of a USF throwing error, but Louisville wouldn't need it, putting the Bulls down 1-2-3 in the seventh to ice a 4-1 finish.

USF out-hit the Cardinals 6-4, getting two hits from Kourtney Salvarola and all six hits from the 2-7 hitters in the lineup. The Bulls had five runners reach scoring position, but could only plate one in the loss.