FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (May 16, 2026) – The University of South Florida softball team bounced back in the night game against Washington on Saturday.
Olivia Elliott and
Alexa Galligani each had three hits as the Bulls (44-16) defeated the Huskies (37-20) 6-4.
Galligani went 3-for-4 at the plate, scoring two runs and driving in an RBI. She extended her hitting streak to six games. Elliott went 3-for-3, with two RBIs and two runs scored. She hit her fourth home run of the season.
Karhys Pierce went 1-for-2, with her hit providing the go-ahead runs.
Carley Ernst got the start in the circle. She went four innings, tallied a career-high eight strikeouts, and allowed two runs.
Anne Long earned the win in three innings of relief, improving to 23-6 on the season. She struck out one batter and allowed two runs.
How It Happened
Jamia Nelson led off the bottom of the second with a single off the pitcher.
Grace Chin entered to run for Nelson.
Kiley Strott reached on a fielder's choice to the second baseman. Fulton was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second for the Bulls.
Grace Rawn pinch ran for Strott. Both runners advanced on a passed ball. Elliott produced a sacrifice fly to center, and Rawn tagged up and scored. The Bulls took a 1-0 lead into the third inning.
Jadyn Glab and Ava Carroll hit back-to-back home runs in the top of the fourth inning to give the Huskies the lead.
Elliott led off the bottom of the fifth with a single to right field.
Kathy Garcia-Soto followed with a single to left field. Both runners advanced on a passed ball. Galligani singled up the middle, driving in Elliott from third. Wilkes reached on a fielder's choice, putting runners on second and third for the Bulls. A pitch hit Pierce, loading the bases.
DaNia Brooks put the Bulls back on top with an RBI single through the left side. USF took a 3-2 lead into the sixth.
The Huskies regained the lead in the top of the sixth inning, scoring two runs on three hits.
Elliott came up big with a solo home run to left center, tying the game.
Garcia-Soto and Galligani followed with back-to-back singles, keeping the Bulls' rally going. Wilkes flew out to right field, advancing both runners a base. Pierce delivered a single to right-center, driving in Galligani and Garcia-Soto. USF took a 6-4 lead into the top of the seventh.
Long closed out the game with a scoreless seventh inning as the Bulls won 6-4.
Note-a-Bulls
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Olivia Elliott went 3-for-3 at the plate and hit her fourth home run of the season.
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Alexa Galligani recorded three hits, extending her hitting streak to six games.
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Karhys Pierce delivered the game-winning hit.
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Carley Ernst struck out a career-high eight batters.
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Anne Long picked up her 23rd win of the season.
• The Bulls moved to 41-2 when scoring more than three runs.
• South Florida moved to 20-1 when scoring six or more runs.
• USF improved to 36-4 when they out-hit their opponents.
• South Florida reaches the regional final for the first time since 2021.
Up Next
The Bulls will face the Razorbacks in the regional final. USF needs to win two games to advance to the super regionals. The first pitch between South Florida and Arkansas is set for 2 p.m. ET. TV designation will be announced later.
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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