The hits were a plenty, but the runs simply didn't come for USF Softball as they were shutout 2-0 by South Carolina in their Tallahassee Regional opener. The season will be on the line when they face the loser of FSU-FAMU on Saturday.
Limiting the Gamecocks to just three hits while rattling off eight of their own on Friday afternoon, the Bulls couldn't capitalize, leaving six runners on base throughout the contest.
Two runners-on-the-corners scenarios that could've put USF on the board in the third and sixth innings were dashed by a flyout and a double-play that sealed USF's second consecutive shutout loss. AAC All-Conference team members Astin Donovan and Lauren Evans did the heavy lifting, both going 3-3 on the day while shortstop Cassidy Boyle notched the other two base hits.
Conference pitcher of the year Erica Nunn supplied a solid seven inning, two-run performance in the regional opener. After giving up a single run in the top of the first, Nunn would strike out four and retire seven straight batters midway through the game before South Carolina 2B Krystan White reached home off a groundout in the sixth to put the Gamecocks up 2-0.
It's now do-or-die for the Bulls as they await the loser of the ongoing lightning delayed FSU-FAMU game on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Should they stave off elimination tomorrow, they will face the loser of the winner's bracket (try to follow along here) for a spot in the regional final on Sunday.