TAMPA, Fla. (April 11, 2026) – The University of South Florida softball team secured a series victory over Florida Atlantic in front of 1,400 fans, the second-highest attendance this season. It was a full-team effort as the Bulls (31-13, 13-4 American) defeated the Owls (26-15, 8-9 American) 4-3.
South Florida currently sits in first place in the American Conference standings, holding a half-game lead over North Texas.
Olivia Elliott tied for the team-high with two hits. She added an RBI. She has reached base safely in 10 consecutive games.
Karhys Pierce recorded a hit, an RBI, and scored a run. She extended her streak of reaching base safely to 13 games.
Toryn Fulton tied the team high with two hits. She added a run.
Alexa Galligani finished the game 1-for-2 at the plate.
How It Happened
Kathy Garcia-Soto was hit by a pitch with two outs in the bottom of the second. After she stole second, Elliott put the Bulls on the board with an RBI single to right-center, giving USF a 1-0 lead heading into the third.
The Owls scored three runs on four hits, taking a 3-1 lead in the top of the third inning.
Fulton stretched a single into a double to lead off the bottom of the fifth. Wilkes kept the rally going with a single to left. Pierce cut into FAU's lead with an RBI single through the right side.
DaNia Brooks moved the runners to second and third with a sacrifice bunt.
Jamia Nelson reached on a fielder's choice as FAU's second baseman tried to throw Wilkes out at home. Wilkes avoided the tag and tied the game at 3-3.
Kiley Strott put the Bulls back in front with a sac fly to right. USF took a 4-3 lead into the sixth.
After the Owls started the top of the seventh with two hitters reaching safely,
Anne Long saw her number called to come in for the save opportunity with one out. Long struck out the first batter and induced the second to pop up to the first baseman. She secured the 4-3 victory for the Bulls.
Carley Ernst started in the circle for the Bulls. She went 2 2/3 innings with three strikeouts. She allowed three earned runs on four hits.
Belle Sardja pitched 3 2/3 innings in relief. She struck out one batter and held FAU to just two hits. Long picked up her second save of the season in 2/3 of an inning. She recorded a strikeout.
Notables
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Belle Sardja earned her sixth win of the season.
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Anne Long recorded her second save of the season.
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Karhys Pierce recorded a hit, extending her streak of reaching base safely to 13 games.
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Olivia Elliott has reached base safely in 10 consecutive games with her two hits today.
• The Bulls improved to 27-0 when they have a lead after five innings.
• South Florida moved to 30-2 when they score three or more runs.
Up Next
USF and FAU are back on the diamond Sunday for the final game of the series. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:05 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.
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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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