Softball faces Florida
Florida (11-5) at
USF (10-6)
When: Today, 4
Where: USF Softball Complex
TV/Radio: Catch 47, None
The story: The softball team will look to add another win to its 10-6 record today when it plays host to Florida. The matchup will be the second meeting between the teams this season after the Gators narrowly defeated the Bulls 3-2 in the first contest Feb. 15.
After starting the season with three straight losses, the Gators have gone 11-2 in their last 13 games to compile an 11-5 record and travel to Tampa riding a five-game winning streak. Florida boasts the SEC softball player of the week in junior Melissa Zick. In the Gators’ thrilling 11-10 extra innings victory over Illinois on Friday, Zick tallied seven RBI and 11 total bases. The Gators first baseman went 4-for-4 at the plate with a single, a double and two home runs.
The game against Florida marks a break between tournaments in a tourney-heavy first half of the year. The Bulls have hosted three tournaments since the start of the season and will participate in five more after the Florida game before playing in their first conference matchup against Seton Hall on March 31.
Keep an eye on: USF freshman infielder Britta Giddens and Florida freshman pitcher Lindsay Littlejohn. The game will mark the second collegiate meeting between the two players who together helped lead Bartow High School to four consecutive state titles. Littlejohn is 4-3 this season and posting a 2.01 ERA, while Giddens is batting .179 with five doubles and five RBI.
– Eric Moeller