TAMPA, Feb. 9, 2023 – The University of South Florida softball team defeated the Michigan Wolverines, 2-1, in the 2023 season opener in extra innings.
Redshirt Sophomore
Hallie Bryant (Trenton) scored the game winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning on wild pitch by Michigan's ace, Lauren Derkowski.
Redshirt-freshman
Payton Dixon (Smyrna, Del.) earned her first collegiate start in the circle and went six innings with just as many strikeouts. She held the Wolverines hitless until the fourth inning when Melina Livingston singled to right-center.
Dixon retired nine straight batters. Senior infielder
Megan Pierro (Lutz) snagged a line drive over her head in the top of the third to keep Michigan hitless. Prior to that, she got the Bulls first hit with a triple to left center.
Michigan got on the board first in the top of the sixth inning. It didn't take the Bulls long to strike back. In the bottom of the same inning,
Emilee Hanlon (Dunkirk, N.Y.) started the inning with a single through the left side. After stealing second base, Hanlon scored the tying run on a fielder's choice by freshman
Alexa Galligani (White Plains, N.Y.).
Notables
- South Florida has won five of the last seven season openers.
- Three different pitchers made an appearance in the circle. Along with Dixon, Lexie Kopko and Antoinette Hill pitched tonight.
- Kopko struck out one batter to bring the Bulls total to seven this evening.
- Pierro led the team with two hits. Hanlon followed with one.
Up Next
The Bulls continue play in the USF-Rawlings Invitational tomorrow with a double header against Boston College and Boston University. First pitch for game one is set for 2 p.m.
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 16 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women's College World Series in 2012.
– #GoBulls –
