By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

TAMPA – USF's young arms gained valuable experience in Gainesville on Wednesday night.

Freshman Erica Nunn and sophomore Sam Greiner combined to pitch 3 1/3 innings of the Bulls' 9-1 loss to No. 3/4 Florida in six innings at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. The Bulls (32-12) saw their nine-game winning streak snapped at the same site where they defeated UF at the NCAA's Gainesville Regional championship game last season.

Head coach Ken Eriksen said earlier this week it's likely USF could end up back in Gainesville if it earns an NCAA tournament berth, so getting young pitchers some work Wednesday certainly could end up benefitting the Bulls down the road.

Nunn relieved starter Lindsey Richardson (10-4) and allowed two earned runs on two hits in two innings. Greiner allowed three runs (one earned) on three hits the rest of the way.

Ashli Goff gave USF a 1-0 lead with an RBI single in the second but the Bulls managed three hits the rest of the game against Lauren Haeger (11-1). The sophomore right-hander struck out five and walked two for Florida (39-4).

The Bulls return to USF Softball Stadium this weekend for a three-game series against Providence. Action begins with a doubleheader 1 p.m. Saturday and the series finale is set for 11 a.m. Sunday.