USF softball entered Friday’s double-header red hot, riding a seven-game winning streak.

The Bulls’ (10-4) momentum was halted, losing back-to-back games against Michigan and Wisconsin, losing 5-4 and 12-4 respectively.

The two games played out in stark contrast.The Bulls built an early lead against the Wolverines before faltering late.

Against the Badgers, South Florida put itself in an early hole and could not make a comeback.

Bulls blow lead

In a matchup against Michigan earlier this season on Feb. 7, the Bulls failed to score. USF managed to get on the scoreboard this time, but collapsed late to give Michigan a 5-4 win.

Related: USF softball falls in defensive battle against Michigan

USF opened the game in control, scoring twice in the game’s first inning.

In the second inning the Bulls added to their lead. With a runner on base, sophomore utility player Alex Wilkes homered to left field, giving the Bulls an early 4-0 advantage.

After both teams went scoreless in the fourth inning, South Florida’s lead evaporated after a strong fifth inning by the Wolverines.  

At the top of the fifth, Michigan scored four runs of its own, tying the game.

Entering the last inning, the teams remained knotted at four a piece. At the top of the 7th, Michigan would hit the dagger to put the Bulls away.

Sophomore outfielder Ella Stephenson homered to left centerfield, giving the Wolverines a 5-4 advantage.

USF’s first three batters all struck out in the bottom of the 7th, giving Michigan the comeback win.

USF’s bullpen struggles

In the game against Wisconsin, the Bulls never established momentum, resulting in a 12-4 loss. The Badgers scored seven straight runs to open the game, due in part to a poor performance by USF’s pitchers.

Wisconsin scored five runs in the first inning, with four of them happening while senior pitcher  Belle Sardja was on the mound.

Down 4-0, the team pulled Sardja for junior pitcher Hannah Marien in the first inning. 

Marien faced her own share of struggles, allowing four walks, as the Badgers’ lead ballooned to 7-0.

Two more pitchers would see action against Wisconsin, junior Alex Wright and McKenna Schroding.

Wright entered in inning two for Marien and also played poorly. During her time on the mound, she allowed six hits and the Bulls gave up four runs.

Schroding replaced Wright in the sixth inning and allowed just a single hit during her relief duties.

The Bulls won’t have to wait long to try to get back into the win column. USF will play another two games on Saturday against Louisville and Troy.

USF was previously scheduled to play the Cardinals on Wednesday, but the game was canceled due to weather conditions.

USF will be in action at home at 1:30 p.m. versus Louisville on Saturday.The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and Bulls Unlimited Radio.