TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 20, 2016 – The USF softball team dropped the first game of the Tallahassee Regional, 2-0, to South Carolina Friday afternoon. USF will fight to stay alive in tomorrow's elimination game against the loser of Florida A&M and host FSU.

USF outhit the Gamecocks, 8-3, but couldn't find a way to push across a run. Lauren Evans and Astin Donovan would go 3-for-3 at the plate, picking up six of the Bulls' eight hits. Cassidy Boyle recorded the other two hits for USF on two doubles.

South Carolina got on the board first with an RBI double from Kennedy Clark. After a leadoff single from Alaynie Page, Clark hit a double into left field, scoring Page. Erica Nunn would settle in and get a strikeout and two ground balls to end the inning, stranding the runner.

In the third, the Bulls had a great scoring chance as Boyle led off with a double and moved to third on a ground out from Kristen Wyckoff. A bunt single from Astin Donovan placed runners at the corners with two outs for Juli Weber. Weber would put the ball in play, but the South Carolina left fielder was able to make the catch, ending the scoring threat.

In the middle innings, Nunn retired seven batters in a row before allowing a leadoff walk in the sixth. South Carolina would score an unearned run in that inning on an RBI groundout to take a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, Donovan doubled for her third hit of the day and advanced to third on a groundout from Weber. Lee Ann Spivey reached on a fielder's choice to put runners on the corners with one out. A controversial double play on a lineout by Nunn would end the inning and the Bulls' scoring threat.

Despite allowing just three hits, Nunn would take the loss. The senior lefty struck out four and allowed just one earned run in a complete game outing.

USF will face the loser of the FSU/FAMU game Saturday, May 21, at 2:30 p.m.

Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. Get your season tickets and mini plans HERE. The USF softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 13 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women's College World Series in 2012.

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