TAMPA, Fla. (March 27, 2026) – The University of South Florida softball team fought Wichita State through 11 innings on Friday.
Olivia Elliott had a game-high four hits, but the Bulls (25-11, 7-3 American) lost to the Shockers (19-11, 7-3 American) 5-4.
Elliott had a career-high four hits, along with one run and one RBI.
Alex Wilkes extended her streak of safely reaching base to 10 games with a hit.
Alexa Galligani went 2-for-5 and has safely reached base in eight straight games.
How It Happened
Kathy Garcia-Soto started the bottom of the first inning with a six-pitch walk. Galligani singled through the left side to put runners on first and second with no outs. Elliott advanced the runners to second and third with a sacrifice bunt. Wilkes put USF on the board with a sacrifice fly to right field. South Florida took a 1-0 lead into the second inning.
Kammie Smith tied the game for the Shockers with a solo home run in the second inning. Wichita State took a 4-1 lead in the top of the third inning with three runs on three hits.
Toryn Fulton began the bottom of the seventh inning with a four-pitch walk. With one out, Galligani singled down the first baseline. Fulton and Galligani moved to second and third on a wild pitch. Elliott singled to left field, closing the gap to 4-2 with one out. With two outs and runners on the corners, Elliott stole second to get into scoring position.
Karhys Pierce struck out swinging at a ball in the dirt, but she hustled down the first baseline and forced a throwing error by the catcher. Galligani and Elliott both scored on the error, tying the game at 4-4.
The Shockers took the lead again in the top of the 11th inning after a throwing error by the pitcher. WSU held a 5-4 advantage going into the bottom of the inning.
The Bulls did not go down without a fight. Garcia-Soto led off the bottom of the inning with a single through the right side. After a sac bunt moved Garcia-Soto to second, Elliott drew a four-pitch walk. Wilkes fought and drew a six-pitch walk to load the bases with one out. USF was unable to get the tying run home and lost 5-4.
Carley Ernst started the game in the circle for the Bulls. She pitched 4 1/3 innings, striking out four batters and allowing four earned runs.
Belle Sardja threw 6 2/3 innings of relief. She fell to 5-3 on the season. She struck out four batters and allowed one unearned run.
Notables
•
Alex Wilkes extended her streak of reaching base safely to 10 games with a hit.
•
Alexa Galligani went 2-for-5 at the plate and has safely reached base in eight consecutive games.
•
Olivia Elliott achieved a career-high with four hits.
Up Next
The Bulls and Shockers will play their second game on Saturday, March 28. The first pitch is set for 4:35 p.m. on ESPN+.
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 or contact the ticket office at 1-800-Go-Bulls or click
HERE.
Follow us:
To stay up-to-date on the latest USF Softball news, follow the Bulls on social media (X / Facebook / Instagram).
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).
–
#GoBulls –
