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TAMPA, MARCH 12, 2014 – Veronica Gajownik's walk-off single with two outs in the bottom of the seventh broke a scoreless tie and gave the Bulls their sixth straight win as they defeated Penn at the USF Softball Stadium on Wednesday night.
The single was one of only four hits for USF (22-7) in the game as they struggled at the plate against one of the Ivy League's top pitchers, Alexis Borden.
The Bulls entered the seventh inning with only two hits before Stephanie Medina (Tampa) got things started with a single up the middle. She advanced to second on a groundout by Lee Ann Spivey (Palm Coast) and came around to score from second on Gajownik's (Winter Park) single that got past the Quakers' first baseman and into right field.
Gajownik, a junior college transfer from Indian River, has been a major addition to the Bulls' batting order this season. She ranks second on the team with a .392 batting average and is also fourth on the team with 11 runs batted in.
“We got very lucky that she (Gajownik) thought South Florida was worthy of her to come here,” head coach Ken Eriksen said. “She's established herself as a big part of our team, had a crucial home run against Louisiana-Lafayette in a big game and has come up with some big hits time and time again.”
With the offense struggling, the Bulls relied heavily on their pitching staff, and they delivered, posting their 11th shutout of the season. Erica Nunn (Apex, N.C.) and Sara Nevins (Pinellas Park) combined for the shutout and allowed only three hits while striking out eight.
The Bulls had to work out of some trouble in the third, but Nunn got a big strike out with runners on second and third to keep the game scoreless.
Penn (4-5) never really threatened after that as Nunn was in control, going five scoreless innings before being relieved by Nevins to start the sixth frame. The senior lefty threw the final two innings and picked up her second win of the day to improve to 12-4 on the year.
“It's working well right now, we're playing at a high level, we just hope to continue to play at that high level,” Eriksen said.
The Bulls are back in action on Friday as they start play in the Michele Smith Spring Break Tournament against No. 12 Baylor. First pitch is set for 2:15 p.m. at the USF Softball Stadium.
Purchase tickets HERE.
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