GREENVILLE, N.C. (April 19, 2026) – The University of South Florida softball team closed out the weekend with a 3-1 win over East Carolina.
Kathy Garcia-Soto scored twice, helping the Bulls (33-5, 15-6 American) secure the Sunday win over the Pirates (27-22, 11-10 American).
South Florida currently sits alone in first place, but North Texas and Wichita State play later today. Garcia-Soto scored twice to lead USF.
Alexa Galligani finished with a double, a walk, and a hit by pitch. She scored the third run for the Bulls.
Olivia Elliott reached on a catcher's error, extending her streak of reaching base safely to 14 games.
How It Happened
Elliott reached safely on catcher's interference to lead off the game. Garcia-Soto reached on a fielder's choice. A pitch hit
Alexa Galligani, giving the Bulls runners on first and second. Wilkes reached on a fielder's choice and drove in Garcia-Soto, who scored from second. South Florida took a 1-0 lead into the second.
The Pirates scored a run on two hits in the bottom of the third, and the game was tied 1-1 after three innings.
Garcia-Soto was hit by a pitch to start the top of the eighth with one out. Garcia-Soto stole second, moving into scoring position. Galligani battled to a full count, then doubled down the right-field line, driving in Garcia-Soto from second.
Karhys Pierce reached on a fielding error by the pitcher, and Galligani advanced to third. Galligani scored on a wild pitch, extending the USF lead. The Bulls took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the eighth.
Anne Long tossed her sixth straight complete game in conference starts. She struck out three batters and improved to 14-5 on the season. She allowed one run on four hits.
Up Next
The Bulls return to the friendly confines of USF Softball Stadium for a midweek matchup on Wednesday, April 22. USF and FGCU are set for a 6 p.m. first pitch 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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