Coming off a pair of wins on opening day versus Delaware and Illinois State, USF softball took the field Friday evening looking to extend its streak.

The Bulls (2-1) had a chance to make it three straight victories, but fell short against No. 22 Michigan 1-0.

Related: USF softball has its eyes on regionals: ‘Hungry to get back’

The two teams engaged in a defensive struggle for most of the match, with both squads finishing the game with just five hits each.

USF head coach Ken Eriksen said the room for error is little to none in close matches like these.

“Those are postseason kind of games, and the slightest of margins determines the ball game,” Eriksen said.

The decisive moment came in the fourth inning when USF catcher Josie Foreman nearly gave the Bulls the lead. With one out and a runner on first, Foreman launched a deep fly ball that appeared destined to be a home run. 

The home crowd erupted in cheers, but the ball fell just short, bouncing off the outfield wall. Foreman settled for a double, and the Bulls were unable to capitalize as it finished the inning scoreless.

Michigan took advantage in the top of the fifth when freshman outfielder Cece Thorington advanced to home after a teammate grounded out to shortstop. The run proved to be the difference as USF failed to bring a runner across the plate for the remainder of the game.

Despite the loss, the Bulls received a strong performance by its pitchers. Freshman Anne Long made her first career start versus the Wolverines, striking out four batters and just a single error

Junior Payton Dixon replaced Long in the sixth inning to close the game for USF. She struck out two batters during her time on the mound, and rendered Michigan hitless during the last inning.

Eriksen said he credited the pitchers with giving the team a chance to win.

“Our freshman [Long] did a heck of a job keeping us in that ball game as long as possible,” Eriksen said. “And then bringing in the veteran [Dixon] to keep it in a very operative time for us to win the ballgame in the seventh—we just couldn’t get it done there”.

The Bulls have two games remaining in the tournament, including a matchup against No. 2 Florida on Sunday. With Michigan behind them, Eriksen said the team would shift its focus to the Gators — but not just yet.

“We’re looking forward to dinner tonight, then we’ll worry about the other teams tomorrow,” Eriksen said.

The Bulls will face Georgia Southern 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and Bulls Unlimited Radio.