MEMPHIS, Tenn. (March 31, 2018) –  USF fell in a close 2-1 game to Memphis on Saturday afternoon. The Bulls and the Tigers each posted a run in the fourth inning, but Memphis sent in the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh.
 
After three scoreless innings, USF capitalized on true fast pitch strategy to send in its only run. Slapper Astin Donovan (Guilford, Conn.) singled to the short stop and used her speed to beat out the throw at first. She advanced on a sacrifice bunt by senior Cassidy Boyle (Buchanan, N.Y.) and made it to third on a wild pitch. Sophomore Brooke Hartman (Port Orange, Fla.) sent a sacrifice fly to right field and Donovan slid home, giving USF a 1-0 lead.
 
Memphis responded in the bottom of the fourth with a run of its own, and the teams remained tied, 1-1, until the bottom of the seventh inning. The Tigers threatened with a double and a walk, and scored the walk-off win with two outs, utilizing a close play at home on an RBI single up the middle.  
 
Key Stat
7 – The Tigers outhit the Bulls, 7-4
 
Notable

• Astin Donovan went 2-for-3 with one run
• Donovan was in scoring position twice for the Bulls
• Amber Atkinson hit her second double of the season

 
Up Next 
The Bulls will welcome Houston to Tampa next week for a three-game series April 6-8.

Fans can purchase season tickets for only $65 at USFBullsTix.com or by calling 1-800-Go-Bulls.
Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. The USF softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 12 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women's College World Series in 2012.