TAMPA, Feb. 7, 2019 – USF softball opened its season Thursday night with a 2-1 victory over Illinois State at the USF Softball Stadium for the third straight season.
 
Anamarie Bruni (Schwenksville, Pa.) kicked off USF's 2019 campaign as the first Bull on base when she smacked a ball into the infield and zipped to first. The junior wasn't ready to slow down, promptly stealing second and third to put herself in perfect position to make it home when senior Lindsey Devitt (Jacksonville, Fla.) grounded out to the shortstop.
 
The Redbirds tied up the game in the top of the second inning on a home run that hit the left field foul post. Senior pitcher Nicole Doyle (Aurora, Ohio) sent down the next two batters to close out the inning and limit the damage, giving USF a chance to respond in the bottom of the frame.
 
Redshirt sophomore Bethaney Keen (Bradenton, Fla.) took the plate for the first time since coming back from an injury that prevented her from playing in 2018. Keen stepped up to the plate with a quick answer to the Redbirds when she blasted a home run over the right field fence, giving USF a 2-1 lead that it would never lose.
 
The Bulls saw a variety of pitchers in the circle including seniors Doyle and Cheyenne Eggens (Vienna, Ohio) as well as sophomore Georgina Corrick (Sanford, Fla.). Doyle pitched 3.2 innings and tossed three key strikeouts on her way to her first win of the season. Eggens took the circle in the top of the fourth, helping the Bulls stay ahead when she took down eight batters without a hit or a run in 2.1 innings. The 2018 American Athletic Conference Co-Pitcher and Rookie of the Year, Corrick, pitched the final inning and preserved USF's lead when she pitched a quick 1-2-3 seventh inning.
 
Quotable: Bruni on her performance and the season opener

 
Key Stat
3 – Three pitchers combined to limit the Redbirds to just one run and two hits in the win.
3 – Bruni's three stolen bases were crucial, including two back-to-back that set up the first run of the game.
3 – Tonight marks the third straight season the Bulls have defeated ISU in their home opener.
 
Up Next
USF will take on Arizona on Friday at 7:15 p.m. in a clash of two legendary national team and Division I head coaches, Ken Eriksen and Mike Candrea.
 
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.