OPINION: USF’s Archie, Garcia-Soto make Oracle’s players of the week
Some moments demand recognition. USF athletes made sure their presence was known this past week.
From the mound to the hardwood, Bulls athletes once again delivered in the biggest moments.
A pitcher held his own against one of the nation’s top baseball programs, a basketball team extended its dominance to nine straight wins and a softball play was so dazzling, it caught ESPN’s eye.
Related: OPINION: USF’s Puisis, Pruitt put on a show as Oracle’s Players of the Week
Arch(nemesis) of FSU
When USF baseball needed someone to step up on the mound against No. 9 Florida State, Bryce Archie answered the call.
The right-hander delivered three scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out four.
He got out of trouble in the second and third, freezing Seminole hitters with runners aboard to keep the game within reach.
Against a powerhouse lineup, Archie didn’t just survive – he thrived.
His fastball had life, his breaking pitches kept FSU guessing and he showed poise beyond his experience.
The Bulls fell short in the game, losing 6-2, but Archie’s performance provided a glimpse of what he’s capable of this season.
If this was any indication, he’s ready to be a key piece of USF’s rotation.
Bull-etproof streak
Women’s basketball is looking to make the NCAA tournament, landing in the First Four Out in ESPN’s Bracketology. ORACLE PHOTO // WILL RAINSBERGER
USF women’s basketball is playing like a team on a mission.
The Bulls picked up two more wins this week, taking down Charlotte 70-52 last Tuesday before outlasting Memphis 80-70 Saturday.
That’s nine straight victories and counting.
The latest triumph against Memphis featured a career-best 34-point explosion from Sammie Puisis, further cementing her as one of the conference’s premier scorers.
More than just individual performances, the Bulls are finding ways to win in different styles – whether it’s a defensive clinic against Charlotte or a shootout against Memphis.
They’re proving they can handle whatever comes their way.
Coach Jose Fernandez has his team clicking at the right time, and with March looming, USF is making a case to be a serious postseason threat.
Related: USF women’s basketball narrowing in on NCAA tournament return. Here’s how it gets there
Garcia-Soto lands Top 10
Some plays are highlight-worthy. Others are SportsCenter Top 10 material.
Softball’s Kathy Garcia-Soto delivered the latter with a jaw-dropping double play that landed at No. 10 on SportsCenter’s Sunday highlights.
With a runner on first, Garcia-Soto made a full-extension dive to snag a shallow pop-up ball near second base.
In one motion, she hopped up and fired it to first, doubling off the stunned baserunner.
The reaction? Dugout chaos. Social media buzz. And a reminder that USF softball has no shortage of game-changers.
USF Athletics had itself a week.
And if these performances are any indication, there’s plenty more to come.
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