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By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

TAMPA, MARCH 7, 2014 – The Bulls couldn't avoid the big inning in a 7-2 Under Armour Showcase loss to Northwestern on Friday afternoon at USF Softball Stadium.

Northwestern (13-4) grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first inning and seized control of the game with a five-run third inning thanks in part to a USF throwing error and wild pitch during the frame.

USF starter Sara Nevins (9-3) exited with two outs in the third and was charged with six runs (one earned) on six hits. Sam Greiner allowed an earned run on two hits in 3 1/3 innings of relief and Karla Claudio struck out two in a scoreless seventh inning.

USF outhit the Wildcats, 7-5, but Northwestern got the biggest knock of the game from Brianna LeBeau, who hit a three-run homer off Nevins in the third inning.

Ashli Goff led the Bulls with a 3-for-3 performance at the plate and D'Anna Devine went 2-for-2 with an RBI single up the middle in the sixth that cut the deficit to 7-2. Ta'coia Williams and Veronica Gajownik had USF's other two hits, while Stephanie Medina put the Bulls on the scoreboard in the fifth inning when she moved runners over with a groundout.

The Bulls continue their run at the Under Armour Showcase 5:05 p.m. Friday against Kansas. Purchase tickets for the entire weekend of action at USF Softball Stadium HERE.