The University of South Florida softball team began its American Conference schedule with two wins against Memphis on Friday. The Bulls won the first game 9-4 and followed up with a 12-3 victory in six innings. With these results, South Florida improved to a 19-8 overall record and 2-0 in conference play, while Memphis dropped to 7-15 and 0-2.
Key players for USF included Karhys Pierce, Toryn Fulton, and Alexa Galligani, each collecting four hits across both games. Galligani went 4-for-9 with four RBIs and extended her hitting streak to three games. Kiley Strott also drove in four runs, hit her first home run of the season, and matched Galligani’s hitting streak.
In the opening game, Memphis took an early lead with a four-run third inning. USF responded in the fourth when Pierce singled and Strott hit a three-run home run. Later in the inning, Garcia-Soto tied the score at 4-4 with a sacrifice fly. The Bulls continued their offensive push as Brooks scored on an error and Strott added another RBI with a sacrifice fly.
USF extended its lead in subsequent innings through singles by Fulton and Garcia-Soto. In total, Anne Long started as pitcher for USF but Hannah Marien earned the win after pitching in relief.
During the second game, USF scored early with Pierce driving in Elliott during the first inning. Galligani contributed RBIs throughout the game while DeWaters scored on a passed ball. Although Memphis tied it briefly at 3-3 after capitalizing on hits and an error by USF, South Florida regained control in the fourth inning through aggressive baserunning and errors by Memphis.
Galligani’s single down the left-field line brought home two more runs for USF in the fifth inning. Wilkes added an RBI double before Pierce singled again to center field. Elliott capped off scoring for USF with a two-run double in the sixth.
Belle Sardja started as pitcher for South Florida but Carley Ernst secured the win after three innings of relief work.
Notable statistics from Friday’s games include Galligani leading her team with four RBIs while maintaining her hitting streak; Strott tying that mark; Pierce scoring twice; and several team milestones—such as remaining undefeated when out-hitting opponents or leading after five innings—were maintained.
The series will conclude Sunday at noon ET at Tigers Softball Complex.
South Florida’s softball program has established itself among top NCAA teams over recent years under head coach Ken Eriksen. Since his tenure began nearly three decades ago, he has led USF to multiple NCAA tournament appearances—including one Women’s College World Series berth—and developed numerous All-Americans within his squad.
