Looks Like Softball Won't Be Dancing

[JoeB]

With an RPI of 72 and needing DePaul to win the conference tourney, USF's postseason chances took a major hit tonight.  Not only did USF not advance to the finals of the Big East Tourney due to the loss to Louisville, but Notre Dame knocked off top seed DePaul in the semis.  So, whichever team wins the Conference Tourney (Louisville or Notre Dame), they will basicallly 'steal' an automatic bid to the tourney.  Both teams were ranked behind the Bulls in the tourney.  We'd need some sort of miracle to get selected into the tourney field.

[Matt]

disappointing.

[Brad]

Courtesy USF

Softball Loses To Louisville, 5-1, In BIG EAST Semifinals

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (May 11, 2007) – The University of South Florida softball team was eliminated from the BIG EAST Championship Friday night, losing to Louisville, 5-1, at the Belleville Softball Complex in South Bend, Ind.

With the loss, the Bulls (44-22) will have to wait and see if they receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament during the selection show on Sunday from 3-4 p.m. on ESPNews.

Cristi Ecks (11-7) started the game and was credited with the loss, giving up two runs on three hits in two and two-thirds innings pitched. Kristen Gordon came in relief and allowed three runs on seven hits in four innings of work.

USF jumped out to the early lead in the first inning, 1-0. The Bulls opened up loading the bases off of three singles. After Louisville pitcher Kristen Wadwell quickly got two strikeouts, Courtney Mosch hit a grounder to the shortstop, who committed an error to allow the run to score.  

Louisville (35-23) evened the score and took the lead, putting together a two-out rally in the third, 2-1. With runners at first and second, Melissa Roth hit a bases-clearing double.  

In the seventh inning, the Cardinals added an insurance run when Candi Hicks led off with a solo home run. Kristi Cunningham put the game out of reach, hitting a two-run homer off Gordon in the seventh.

The Bulls had a runner on in the seventh inning, but the comeback fell short as Wadwell (14-8) closed out the contest with the complete-game victory.

[RandyGator]

Still an "outside" chance as an at large pick.

But long shot.

[Jewbull]

Softball team came into the season with high expectations, very disappointing. Big East championship game live on CSTV now, would have been nice to see the Bulls.

[Bull Matrix]

We had a lot of seniors last year, so it was kind of a rebuilding year. Next year, the team will be stronger, so I am not worried about Coach Erikson's program.

PS

I am still crossing my fingers in hopes of getting an at-large bid tomorrow. I know it is a long shot, but a USF fan can only hope.

[smazza]

great teams achieve great things back to back

things are alot different when expectations are high

i hope football team can live up to higer expectations

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