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By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA, FEB. 15, 2014 – The Bulls grabbed an early lead and got a gutsy performance from Erica Nunn in a 3-2 USF Tournament loss to top-ranked Tennessee that impressed head coach Ken Eriksen on Saturday night.
“I felt our attitude was tremendous and I thought our effort today was fantastic,” Eriksen said. “Whether you don't win or you win, that was fun to be around today watching both games and being involved.”
USF started its day with a 5-1 win over Pittsburgh and ended up getting a complete performance from Nunn in game two. The sophomore left-hander from Apex, N.C., struck out seven and gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits in seven innings against a potent Lady Vols offense.
“She was good last year and it's just a matter of time before she gets more innings and more innings,” Eriksen said. “I think we found out a lot today not just about her ability, which is very good, but her character and her guile being able to get in there with the big girls and mix it up.”
Tennessee (7-0) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, but the Bulls bounced right back in the bottom half of the frame. Juli Weber led off with a walk and two batters later Ta'coia Williams connected for an RBI double to left-center field.
Weber recorded her first-career RBI in USF's win over Pitt earlier Saturday and the freshman from Hegins, Pa., stayed hot at the plate against the Lady Vols with an RBI infield single in the second to spot the Bulls a 2-1 lead.
“She's got tremendous softball intellect and those are nice players to have,” Eriksen said.
Tennessee starter Cheyanne Tarango exited the pitcher's circle after giving up five hits and two earned runs in just 1 1/3 innings.
Nunn (1-2) got two quick outs to start the third inning but ran into trouble against the top of Tennessee's lineup during a decisive two-run inning for the Lady Vols. Leadoff batter Megan Greer singled and stole second before Madison Shipman launched a two-run homer over the tall wall in left field.
That was all the scoring a packed house at USF Softball Stadium would see the rest of the way, although the Bulls had their chances. USF had runners in scoring position in the third, fourth and sixth innings but couldn't push across the runs its need while outhitting Tennessee, 9-6. Seniors Stephanie Medina and Ashli Goff led the way with two hits apiece.
The Bulls will finish up their USF Tournament run with a single game against Illinois 1:30 p.m. Sunday back at USF Softball Stadium. Tickets for the USF Tournament can be purchased through USF by calling 1-800-GoBulls or through Ticketmaster by clicking HERE. An adult all-session pass is $18 and a single-day pass is $9.
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