TAMPA, May 11, 2023 – The University of South Florida softball team (32-23) shutout the No. 6-seed East Carolina Pirates (27-28) to advance to the semifinals of the 2023 American Athletic Conference Softball Tournament on Thursday afternoon at the USF Softball Stadium.
 
South Florida capitalized on Jordyn Kadlub's (Wesley Chapel) leadoff walk. After advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt and a groundout, Kadlub was brought home on a single from Marissa Trivelpiece (Sugarloaf, Pa.).
 
The Bulls added one more in the first when a throwing error by the Pirates' shortstop scored Vivian Ponn (Fort Meyers) who had reached base earlier after being hit by a pitch. 
 
Though 7.2 innings, Gabriella Nori (Weston) retired 20 batters. She only allowed two hits in the game, one to lead off the game and one in the seventh. Nori pitched her eighth complete game of the season and issued no walks.
 
The Bulls added five more runs, scoring in the fourth and sixth innings. Kathy Garcia-Soto (Tampa) singled in the fourth to drive Kadlub home.
 
USF scored four runs in the sixth inning to grow the lead to 7-0. Kadlub singled to left field to bring two runs home. The Bulls then loaded the bases with a pair of walks and scored Kadlub on a wild pitch. Jocelyn Wilkes (Tampa) pinch hit and was hit by a pitch to bring another run home.
 
 
NOTABLES

• Kadlub scored three of the seven runs and drove home two.
• The Bulls are now 17-0 when scoring six or more runs.
• Eigenmann went 2-for-3 at the plate with one run.
• Nori earned her ninth win of the season.

 
UP NEXT
The No. 3-seed Bulls will take on the No. 2-seed UCF Knights tomorrow in the AAC Semifinals tomorrow at 2:30 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.