TUCSON, Ariz., FEB. 17, 2019 – USF closed the Hillenbrand Invitational in Tucson, Ariz., with a 2-1, extra-inning, walk-off win when sophomore Bethaney Keen hit an RBI single to score freshman Meghan Sheehan.
 
The Bulls and the Lobos were gridlocked at zeros through five innings, before New Mexico (3-5) got on the board in the top of the sixth with a single and an RBI double. The Lobos loaded the bases, but a pitching change sent sophomore Georgina Corrick (Sanford, Fla.) to the circle, who would end up clearing the bases on a clutch strikeout.  
 
The Bulls couldn't respond in the bottom of the inning, but Corrick gave USF another shot when she sent down three straight batters with a pair of strikeouts and a fly out to right field in the top of the seventh.
 
Freshman Megan Pierro (Lutz, Fla.), who was 2-for-2, drew a walk to lead off the seventh inning. Up next, freshman Dezarae Maldonado (Winter Haven, Fla.) chopped a ball into the infield that bounced over diving infielders and second base and trickled into the outfield. Maldonado made it to first, and advanced Pierro to third. With runners on the corners and no outs, freshman Jaycie Michael (Mt. Dora, Fla.) hit a sacrifice fly to center field and scored Pierro, tying the game, 1-1. The inning ended with a pair of Bulls stranded, sending the teams into extra innings.
 
With international tiebreak rules in effect, the Lobos placed the last batter on second base. Corrick took the circle and delivered three straight strikeouts to shut down the Lobos. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Sheehan (Forest Hill, Md.) started at second base, and senior Lindsey Devitt (Jacksonville, Fla.) put down a perfect bunt just outside the batter's box, giving Sheehan a chance to move to third. Keen (Bradenton, Fla.) stepped up to the plate and smashed a ball to center field for the game-winner.
 
Quotable
Head coach Ken Eriksen on the weekend…
"USF showed tremendous resilience this weekend. Not only did they get a big win against No. 9 Arizona, but the Bulls battled through every inning of the tournament. We made a lot of improvements, and our pitchers were able to hold teams at zero and give our offense a chance to make some moves in tough situations."
 
Key Stat
12 - Senior Nicole Doyle delivered a career-high six strikeouts against the Lobos, and Corrick added six more for 12 total in the game
 
Notable

• Redshirt sophomore Bethaney Keen leads the team at the plate batting .393
• Freshman Megan Pierro was a perfect 2-for-2 and walked once
• USF scattered six hits
• The Bulls defense didn't commit a single error against the Lobos
• Corrick advanced to 3-1 on the season

 
Up Next
USF will host The USF-Rawlings Invitational from Feb. 22-24. The Bulls will welcome Georgia State, Texas State and Virginia Tech.
 
About USF Softball
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.