GREENVILLE, N.C. (May 8, 2026) –
Anne Long threw her 13th complete game of the season for the University of South Florida in the American Conference semifinal on Friday against No. 4-seeded Florida Atlantic. The Bulls (41-15) used small ball to ground the Owls (34-20) 3-0, securing a spot in the championship game.
Anne Long started the game in the circle for USF and picked up her 20th win of the season. She struck out six batters and allowed three hits.
Offensively,
Olivia Elliott led the Bulls with two hits, extending her hitting streak to six games. She also scored a run.
Alex Wilkes notched a hit and an RBI, extending her hitting streak to eight games. With a walk in today's game,
Karhys Pierce reached base safely in 10 straight games.
Toryn Fulton recorded a hit and drove in a run. She has reached base safely in eight straight games.
DaNia Brooks recorded a hit and scored a run.
How It Happened
The game started as a pitchers' duel, with a combined total of two hits, one for each team. Long struck out four FAU batters in the first four innings.
Galligani led off the home half of the fourth inning with a triple down the right-field line. Wilkes was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the corners with no outs.
Grace Chin entered the game to pinch-run for Wilkes at first. Pierce reached on a fielder's choice, and an error by FAU's shortstop allowed Galligani to score from third. USF took a 1-0 lead into the fifth.
Elliott recorded a one-out single to right-center to start the bottom of the fifth. After she stole second, Garcia-Soto drew a six-pitch walk. Wilkes extended USF's lead with an RBI single to right field. The Bulls led 2-0 after five innings.
The Owls threatened in the top of the sixth inning after getting two runners on base. Long regained her composure and escaped the inning unscathed.
Brooks led off the top of the sixth with a single to right field.
Sam Walz delivered a pinch-hit single to center. Strott was hit by a pitch, loading the bases for USF. Fulton delivered an RBI single through the left side. South Florida took a 3-0 lead into the seventh.
Long retired the Owls in order in the top of the seventh, securing the 3-0 victory for the Bulls.
Note-a-Bulls
•
Olivia Elliott led the Bulls with two hits, extending her hitting streak to six games.
•
Alex Wilkes extended her hitting streak to eight games.
•
Karhys Pierce reached base safely in 10 straight games via a walk.
•
Toryn Fulton has recorded a hit and reached base safely in eight consecutive games.
•
Anne Long picked up her 20th win of the season.
• The Bulls have reached the American Conference Tournament Championship for the second straight year.
• The Bulls are 32-0 when they lead after five innings.
• The Bulls moved to 38-2 after they scored more than three runs.
• USF improved to 33-4 when they out-hit their opponents.
Up Next
The Bulls return to the Joyner Family Softball Stadium on Saturday for the American Conference championship game. South Florida will face the winner of the matchup between No. 2-seeded Wichita State and No. 3-seeded East Carolina. First pitch is scheduled for noon on ESPN2.
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 –
