|
By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA -
A big swing from Ashli Goff helped the Bulls get back
on track Friday night at the USF Under Armour Invitational.
USF's leadoff batter provided all the offense it needed
with a three-run homer in a 3-2 victory over Illinois that snapped the Bulls'
seven-game losing streak.
"We just have to keep moving. We're getting some pretty good
pitching performances and it's about playing flawless softball," head coach Ken
Eriksen said. "We have to continue to try to do that. It hasn't been easy, but
it will come together."
Illinois (5-11) took a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the fifth
inning when Goff, a slap hitter, crushed a line drive over the tall wall in
right field. It marked the second home run of the junior's career.
"I was just trying to hit it hard on the ground. I guess I just
hit it in the right spot," Goff said with a smile.
Goff's clutch hit was enough support for a USF pitching duo
that avoided trouble early and cruised late. Freshman Erica Nunn (2-2) struck
out four and allowed two runs on three hits in 5 1/3 innings.
"That's why she's here. We recruited those kids because they
can play at this high level," Eriksen said.
Sara
Nevins finished the job by striking out two in 1 2/3 innings of hitless work.
The Invitational continues Saturday at the Eddie C. Moore
Complex in Clearwater, where the Bulls face Toledo in the first game
of their doubleheader at 2:45 p.m. USF finishes its day up with a test against Illinois-Chicago at 5 p.m.
|
