May 10, 2001

Box Score

The USF softball team defeated the UAB Blazers today in their first game of the C-USA Tournament. The Bulls, got on the board early, and didn't scored a total of five runs to beat the Blazers 5-0.

After a quick top half of the first inning, the Bulls came to the plate looking to start things off early. Shelly Riker started the game for the Bulls with a single between third and shortstop. Riker then stole second, putting her in scoring position with no outs. UAB pitcher Kerri Foster got two outs before Courtney Lewellen came to the plate. Lewellen then hit a line drive into right field. The hit was good for a triple and an RBI. Lewellen scored on the same play when the throw from the outfield got away.

Up 2-0, the Bulls looked to play defense and shut down the Blazers. USF starter Jessi Kowal threw nearly flawless for the Bulls, giving up only two hits, while striking out 8 and not allowing a walk in the complete game.

The Bulls added to their lead in the third inning when once again Shelly Riker got on base to start things off for the Bulls. Nikki Phillips was then hit by a pitch, giving the Bulls runners at first and second. Riker and Phillips the stole third and second, with Riker scoring on a throwing error by the catcher trying to get Riker at third.

In the fourth inning, USF added to their lead when catcher Priscilla Smith hit a solo homerun over the left field fence. The homer was Smith's third of the season, and gave the Bulls a 4-0 lead. Cindy Turek then hit her sixth homerun in the bottom of the sixth inning. Turek's ball went over the left field wall, giving the Bulls a total of five runs on the day.

The Bulls will play tomorrow morning at 10 AM against Southern Mississippi. The Golden Eagles defeated St. Louis by a score of 8-0 in the 10:00 game this morning.