TAMPA, Fla. (March 12, 2026) – The University of South Florida softball team hosts Charlotte for the American Conference home opener this weekend. The Bulls (20-8, 3-0 American) and the 49ers (14-12, 1-2 American) are set to play a three-game series starting with a doubleheader on Friday at noon, followed by a game on Saturday at noon. All three games will be streamed on ESPN+.
 
Earlier this week, Karhys Pierce received an honorable mention on the American Conference weekly accolades after a strong week at the plate. She posted a batting average of .667 with six hits. She scored three runs and drove in two RBIs.
 
Series History vs Charlotte:
The Bulls and 49ers will compete for the 39th time on Friday. South Florida holds a commanding 35-3 series lead. USF is 18-2 at home versus CLT. The Bulls have won the last three meetings, including a series sweep last year in Charlotte. 
 
Note-A-Bulls:
Kathy Garcia-Soto is tied for fourth in the NCAA with four triples, which leads the American Conference. She is tied for 38th in the nation with 58 assists.
 
Alex Wilkes is tied for the conference lead with seven home runs. Her 33 RBIs are tied for 30th in the country and lead the American.
 
McKenna Schroding is tied for 38th nationally and shares the American Conference lead with two shutouts.
 
Belle Sardja is tied for seventh in the NCAA and ranks second in the conference with three saves. She is also tied for 38th nationally with 17 appearances, which is second in the American. She is tied for 38th in the country and tied for first in the conference with two shutouts.
 
Kiley Strott is tied for 48th in the nation and ranked fourth in the conference, with five runners thrown out while attempting to steal.   
 
Anne Long ranks 36th in the NCAA and leads the conference with a 1.56 ERA.
 
Carley Ernst is tied for 22nd in the NCAA and tied for third in the American with two saves.
 
The Bulls lead the NCAA with 27 sacrifice bunts. USF is tied for fourth nationally with 17 double plays. South Florida is tied for sixth in the country with 11 triples. The Bulls are tied for 16th in the NCAA with a .980 fielding percentage, the second-best mark in the conference. South Florida has recorded 12 sacrifice flies, which is tied for 17th in the NCAA and also leads the conference. The Bulls have been hit by a pitch 23 times, tied for 22nd in the nation and leading the American Conference. 
 
The South Florida pitching staff is tied for 12th in the NCAA and leads the American Conference with six shutouts. USF is 35th nationally and tops the conference with a 2.83 ERA. The Bulls are tied for 55th and are second in the conference with a WHIP of 1.39.
 
Tickets:
Season tickets for the upcoming softball season are now available, starting at $65. Fans may also add a general admission baseball season ticket for an additional $25, providing access to all home baseball games. For more information or to purchase season tickets, visit the official website at gousfbulls.com, contact the ticket office at 1-800-Go-Bulls, or click HERE.
 
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About USF Softball
The South Florida softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 18 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women's College World Series in 2012. Under head coach Ken Eriksen, who enters his 29th season in 2026 and has accumulated 1,171 wins, ranking seventh among active DI head softball coaches, USF has produced 10 NFCA All-Americans, two USA Softball Top 10 Players of the Year, and one NFCA Pitcher of the Year. In 2022, Georgina Corrick became the first player in softball history to earn the NCAA Pitching Triple Crown. She led the nation in ERA (0.51), Victories (37), and total strikeouts (418).
 
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