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GAINESVILLE, FLA., APRIL 23, 2014 – A promising start turned ugly quickly for USF as they fell to third-ranked Florida at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., on Wednesday night.

The Bulls (33-14, 7-5) got started with a bang as Kourtney Salvarola (Arnold, Md.) broke the program's all-time home runs record with a solo blast to right center in the first inning. Salvarola's 34^th career home run propelled her past Holly Groves and gave the Bulls a 1-0 lead after half an inning of play.

USF's lead was short-lived, however, as the Gators (41-8, 11-7) posted two runs in the bottom of the first to take a 2-1 lead into the second frame. Lauren Haeger's sacrifice fly in foul territory scored Kelsey Stewart and Briana Little put Florida on top with a two-out single up the middle.

A huge second inning proved to be the difference in the game as Florida scored 11 runs, all with two outs, after Bulls' starter Erica Nunn retired the first two batters of the inning.

A two-run homer by Kirsti Merritt to straightaway center field made it 4-1 Gators. Stephanie Tofft drew a walk one batter later and that marked the end of the road for Nunn (Apex, N.C.) as she was relieved by Sam Greiner. Nunn lasted 1.2 innings, surrendering five runs on four hits and was stuck with the loss, falling to 9-7 on the year.

Greiner (Sparta, N.J.) didn't fare any better against Florida's potent lineup as she was unable to record an out and was replaced by Karla Claudio (Puerto Rico). Juli Weber (Hegins, Pa.) finally ended the Gator's rally with an incredible leaping catch in center field to rob Haeger of her 13^th home run of the season.

The Gators continued to pour it on with four more runs in the bottom of the fourth after Bailey Castro led off the inning with a homer that just cleared the left field wall.

Florida ace Hannah Rogers pitched all five innings for the Gators and picked up her 21^st victory of the season.  

Stephanie Medina (Tampa) had the only other hit of the game for the Bulls, her 40^th hit on the year.

USF jumps back into conference play this weekend when they host Memphis for a three-game series at the USF Softball Stadium. Game one of Saturday's doubleheader will begin at 1 p.m. and Sunday's series finale is set for an 11 a.m. start. The seven seniors on the team will also be recognized before Sunday's game for Senior Day.

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