Softball Edged Twice by USF
March 02, 2003 | Softball
USF improved to 20-4 overall and 2-0 in C-USA. Leigh Ann Ellis was the hero of the first game, striking out 11, and driving in all three of the runs for the Bulls in the 3-2 win. Pitching was again the key in the second game as the Bulls notched a 1-0 win over ECU.
In the first game, the Pirates took the lead in the top of the fourth inning after the Bulls made two errors in the infield to give ECU free base runners. The Pirates didn't have a hit in the inning, but were able to push across the first run of the game.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Bulls battled back into the game. With only three outs to get two runs across, the Bulls took advantage of a lead off walk to Holly Groves to tie the game. Chirstie Chapman then singled to left center, Groves moved to third on the play, and Chapman took second on the throw to third. Renee Oursler then hit a grounder to third, and reached first due to Groves' efforts at third base. With bases loaded, Krista Holle grounded into a forty-one double play. Leigh Ann Ellis then pinch hit and got a single to right field to score Chapman and Oursler and tie the game.
The Bulls won the game in the bottom of the ninth when Renee Oursler drew a two-out walk to get things going. Oursler stole second, and took third on a throwing error by the catcher. The Pirates then elected to walk Krista Holle and take their chances with Ellis. Ellis hit a single to the third baseman, and Oursler scored the winning run on the play.
Leigh Ann Ellis picked up the win for the complete game effort bringing her record to 9-2 on the season. Ellis allowed only four hits while striking out 11 ECU hitters. Ellis also led the Bulls at the plate, going 2-for-2 with 3 RBI. Holly Groves continued her hot streak, with a 2-for-3 performance in the game.
Game two of the doubleheader was another pitchers dual with the Bulls scoring the game's only run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Carmela Liwag got things going with a one out single through the right side of the infield. Courtney Lewellen moved Liwag to second on a groundout to the pitcher. Holly Groves then singled up the middle to drive Liwag in from second base.
Corin Tassio picked up the win for the Bulls, giving her a 9-1 record for the season. Leigh Ann Ellis came on in relief in the seventh and picked up her third save of the year. Groves was again 2-for-3 giving her a 4-for-6 day. Courtney Lewellen was also 2-for-3 in the game.
The Bulls play ECU Sunday at noon to round out the series.
