Things started well for USF in its first trip to Gainesville this season with Kourtney Salvarola’s solo home run falling over the center field wall for a 1-0 lead in the first inning.
But what ensued was an offensive bombardment by the No. 3 Gators (41-8), who added 17 runs in the first three innings aided by three Bulls’ (33-14, 7-5) errors.
Sophomore Erica Nunn started for the Bulls and was roughed up for five unearned runs in 1 2/3 innings before being relieved by juniors Sam Greiner and Karla Claudio, who gave up 10 more.
The game was cut short in the fifth as the standard
run-rule of eight runs was already doubled to 16, while multiple AAC Weekly Honor Roll nominee Sara Nevins didn’t throw a pitch against the Gators.
USF will try to bounce back this weekend after the 17-1 loss in a three-game set against Memphis at the USF Softball Stadium.
