USF Upsets 18th Ranked Louisville!

We see you!

Yes, this is happening.  The USF Bulls went on the road tonight and upset 18th ranked Louisville 58 to 51, raising their record to 19-11 (12-5) on the season as they continue their quest for the NCAA tournament. 

USF Softball Knocks Off 15th Ranked Michigan

In case you haven't heard, Nevins is good at this softball thing (Picture: www.tbo.com)

The great start to the 2012 season continued tonight as the USF ladies (recently ranked 23rd in the nation) knocked off 15th ranked Michigan 2 to 0 to improve to 11-2 on the season.

USF Hits the Road to Take on Louisville

The USF Bulls, 18-11 (11-5) on the season now hit the road as they face a huge game with big implications not only for the Big East tournament but for a possible NCAA bid.  USF must face the 17th ranked Louisville Cardinals who are 22-7 (10-6) and 16-3 at home this season, creating another big test for the rising Bulls.  

USF Softball Takes on Michigan

USF, 10-2, moved it's way into the top 25 in the nation, ranking 23rd according to ESPN/USA Today. It's a great accomplishment, but the team has some work to do today as the 12th ranked Wolverines of Michigan come to town for just one game (first pitch scheduled for 5PM). Michigan is 11-3 this season and will be another early test for the ladies to see if they can notch a victory against one of the best teams around.

USF Baseball Gets Shelled by UCF, 1 to 12

This about sums up the entire night for the baseball team.

Yuck. USF baseball, now 4-4, got ripped tonight, dropping the game to UCF 1 to 12. USF had just 9 hits, committed 2 errors, and struck out 15 times overall as a team.

The Numbers Don't Lie, Anthony Collins is Good

We have talked at great length this season about the progression the team has made under Anthony Collins and how vastly improved they are under him as compared to where they stood last season with Anthony Crater running the show.  The win totals are the first stat that jumps out, but it is the individual numbers that have really taken off late in the season that show the levels Collins is reaching (and with 2 regular season games last left.

USF Baseball Heads to Face UCF

The USF Bulls, 4-3, have dropped two straight games to Bethune Cookman and now have to face 19th ranked UCF tonight (game starts at 6:30).  UCF is 5-2 to start the season and have a powerful line up that will give USF a real challenge.

Tribute Video to the Selmon Family

Untitled from Karsono Productions on Vimeo.

USF fans, last week, the Athletics facility was renamed in honor of the great Lee Roy Selmon. LRS and his family have done so much for not only athletics, but the university and community as well, leaving a lasting impression on the entire USF family. LRS gave so much to everyone, we are forever in debt to him and his lasting legacy. Athletics made this tribute video for his family, showing the thanks from the large athletics family that is fortunate to call USF home. From the wide range of sports, to the new facilities, to the players that have come from both far and near, LRS has played a part in this. Enjoy the video and always, thank you Lee Roy.

USF WBB Sends Out Seniors on High Note with Win Over Providence in Overtime

Jasmine Wynne had a big night on senior night as the Bulls got a win in overtime against Providence.

The USF Bulls, on senior night, had to go to overtime but were able to hold on and beat Providence 64 to 58 as they improve to 16-14 (8-8) as they prepare for the Big East tournament that starts on Friday. 

USF WBB Takes on Providence for Last Regular Season Game

The USF Bulls return home for the last regular season game as the Providence Friars come to town.  The Bulls are 15-14 (7-8) on the season and are looking to send their two seniors out on a high note and head into the Big East tournament with momentum.  Providence is 13-15 (5-10) on the season, so USF should have the advantage and the energy to win this game, but let's see who they are facing. 

USF WBB to Honor Two Seniors in Final Home Game

Hard to believe the 2011-2012 regular season is coming to an end and as the Bulls continue to battle for positioning in the Big East and possible NIT bid, the ladies are honoring two players on senior night. 

The first is forward Daleisha Carn.  The 6-0 forward out of Jacksonville, Florida originally transferred to USF from Alabama.  In her first season, she averaged 6 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game, scoring in double figures 7 times during the 2010-2011 season.  This season she has not played as much, appearing in just 7 games averaging 2.6 points per game and 2.1 rebounds per game, but she has been a great teammate and will be missed after this season. 

The other senior being honored tonight is 5-7 guard Jasmine Wynne.  Wynne has been everything for USF this season on offense.  She leads the team in scoring with 15.7 points per game (shooting 41%), 5.7 rebounds per game, has 63 assists, 7 blocks, and has 67 steals on the year (before the game tonight).  In 2010, she averaged just 3.4 points per game and 1.8 rebounds per game as she returned from her ACL injury the year before.  She has been a consistent shooter all year and has taken her game to another level with Andrea Smith (knee) out for the season, taking over the scoring burden and leading the team when they needed her the most. 

We would like to thank both seniors for all their hard work not only for this season, but throughout their careers.  We hope they continue on to greatness and will always remain part of the USF family. 

Bulls Bits: News from the Weekend

It was another busy weekend for USF athletics. While baseball, softball, and both basketball teams were in action, there was other news to report.

The first and most important was the status of David "Boo" Simon who was transported to a local hospital after suffering two seizures (from Greg Auman). There been no determined cause yet for Simon who redshirted last year. Football is not important right now, so we wish him and his family good health and hope he recovers soon.

Biggest Fan of the Big East Challenge 8: The Journey Comes to An End

As March Madness approaches and the 2011-2012 basketball season slowly comes to an end, the Biggest Fan of the Big East Challenge comes to an end as well.  Since day one, Volvo and the Big East have challenged myself and the other contestants in one of the most intense contests around and I have enjoyed every second of it. 

No words can thank Volvo for the incredible opportunity they have given me over the past few months.

The Volvo Big East Challenge has been an epic journey, challenging everything we have been made of from start to finish.  For this final challenge, Volvo is challenging me to recap the entire contest, looking at everything, from the start of the contest, the progress we all have made as friends and writers, and what we have learned during the course of the entire challenge. So, buckle up one last time as we take a last drive down memory lane and look back at the beginning of the challenge.

USF softball wins again

The USF Bulls battled again in a tight game and came away with the win, beating Illinois State 1 to 0 and improving to 10-2 on the season.  USF managed just 5 hits, but it was enough as the pitching staff once again dominated. 

Stephanie Medina was 1 for 3 on the day.  Kourtney Salvarola was 2 for 3 with the game winning RBI.  Sam Greiner went 5 innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 walk, and struck out two as she improves to 2-1 to begin her young career.  Sara Nevins worked 2 innings of relief, allowing 1 hit and striking out 5 as she picked up her first save of the season. 

USF will next face Michigan on Wednesday evening as the Bulls look to beat the 12th ranked Wolverines and continue the great start to the season.

USF Baseball Drops Second Game Straight Game to Bethune Cookman

The USF bats were silent again as the Bulls suffered their second straight loss to Bethune Cookman, dropping the game 0 to 2 and fall to 4-3 to start the season. 

The offense was quiet with just 5 hits total during the game.  James Ramsay went 2 for 4 and Buddy Putnam went 2 for 4, but the Bulls just couldn't move the base runners over when they needed and dropped the close game they could have won.  Matt Reed got the start, going 6 innings, allowing 6 hits, 1 run, walked 1 and struck out 1 batter.  Austin Adams went 2 innings, allowing 1 hit, 1 walk, and struck out 1 batter.  Steven Leasure went 1 inning, allowing 1 run. 

This was not a great start to the season for the Bulls.  After a great start against the Big Ten, dropping two games to Bethune Cookman was not what the Bulls needed to do as they began their home stand for the season.  Now USF has to travel to face UCF on Tuesday night, the Knights are ranked 19th in the country (game starts at 7PM).

USF Hangs on to Beat Cincinnati!

What a game.  USF, 18-11 (11-5), battled the entire game against Cincinnati, taking the lead late in the second half, but the Bearcats took the lead late.  The Bulls crawled back and after a few clutch free throws down the stretch and the incredible play of Anthony Collins, the Bulls won 46 to 45 as they continue to make a late season case for the NCAA Tournament. 

USF MBB Takes on Cincinnati in a Huge Bubble Game

The USF Bulls, 17-11 (10-5), are coming off of a hard fought loss to Syracuse and are on the bubble for the NCAA tournament selection time comes closer.  The Bulls need to win a few more games if they want to make their way to the dance and will need to protect home court with Cincinnati in town.  The Bearcats, 20-8 (10-5), on the season, are looking to punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament, but facing the Bulls at home is no easy task. 

The Bearcats are just 6-4 away from home this season and average 69 points per game.  The Bulls, one of the toughest defenses in the country, will look to slow the pace and work the shot clock as they try to win this huge game (tip off is set for 12 noon, BE THERE).

Know Thy Enemy: Cincinnati

Coach Cronin is hyped for this game.

As the season comes to a close, the Bulls find themselves on the bubble for the NCAA tournament and need a few more wins if they want to get a bid.  The Big East though is no easy task and USF will have it hands full as the Bearcats of Cincinnati invade the Forum for a huge game.  To get a better idea of what the Bulls can expect in this game, I asked my friend Jesse from the Volvo Big East Challenge to get some inside information in this late season battle (make sure to check out his site HERE). 

USF Baseball Drops Second Game of Series to Bethune Cookman

The Bulls lost the second game of the 3-game to Bethune Cookman, dropping the game 3 to 7 and falling to 4-2 to start the season. 

Andrew Longley went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI on the day.  Matt Hart went for 1 for 3 as the BC pitching staff shut down the USF offense.  The pitching staff didn't have a solid night with Barbosa starting the game.  Barbosa went 2.1 innings, allowing 3 hits, 3 runs, walking 4 and striking out 5 as he continues to build his arm strength.  Derrick Stultz went 3.2 innings allowing 3 hits, walking 3, and striking out 7 batters (great to see him getting back to the pitching staff).  Devin Smith went 2 innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 run and walking 1.  

This was an ugly game for the Bulls as the offense failed and the pitching staff, the strength of the team failed to lock down the opponent.  USF will try to win the series tomorrow afternoon at 1PM.

USF Softball Splits Double Header

The Bulls were back in action today as they played another double header in the NFCA Tournament.  USF dominated the first day, but ran into some trouble starting with the first game. 

After jumping out to a 2-0 lead, BU was able to get to the USF pitching.  Lindsey Richardson went 4 innings, allowing 3 hits, 2 runs, walking 1, and struck out 5 in another strong performance.  Sam Greiner struggled, getting just one out while allowing 4 hits, 3 runs, and walking one, taking the loss (1-1).  Sara Nevins finished the final 2.2 innings, allowing 2 hits and struck out 2.  Gina Kafalas went 1 for 3 with a walk.  Kenshyra Jackson went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs.  Alexis Nowell went 2 for 3 with an RBI as the Bulls dropped just their second game of the season, 8-2.

USF WBB Fall to Notre Dame

USF WBB team fought hard against the 3rd ranked team in the country but just didn't have enough at the end as they fall 68 to 80.  USF, now 15-14 (7-8), battled hard but the Irish were just too strong as they pulled away in the second half. 

Tahira Johnson had 7 points and 3 rebounds.  Jasmine Wynne had 18 points and 3 rebounds as she continues her great senior season.  Andrell Smith had 7 points and 2 rebounds.  Sasha Bernard had 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 steals.  Inga Orekhova had 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists as well to balance out the scoring attack that just couldn't get enough done in the second half. 

The Bulls had a shot in this game, but couldn't quite pull it off.  USF will play it's last game of the regular season on Monday night as they return to the Rec Center to face Providence at 7PM.

USF WBB Hits the Road to Take on Notre Dame

The USF Bulls, back over .500 at 15-13 (7-7) hit the road as they face another top ranked opponent in league play when they visit the 3rd ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. ND is 26-2 (13-1) on the season with a 14-1 record at home, so the ladies are facing yet another huge battle (game starts at 2PM).

USF Softball Enters Second Day of the NFCA Tournament

It's the second day of the NFCA tournament.  After facing Illinois and Mississippi State on the first day, the Bulls, 8-1, take on two more teams as they look to continue their strong start to the season.  USF is out to a hot start to begin the year and need to keep it going in day two.

In the first game (starting early this morning at 10:30AM) the Bulls take on Boston University.  This is just the third game of the season for them, as they enter at.  BU went 34-18 last year and will be trying to start their season strong.

USF Baseball Beats Bethune Cookman 8 to 5

After dropping the home opener 1 to 9 to UNF on Wednesday night, the Bulls had a better time as they opened up a 3-game series with Bethune Cookman, winning game one 8 to 5.

Joey Lovecchio went 5 solid innings, allowing 5 hits, 2 runs, walked 2, and struck out 2 as he collects win number one of his USF career. Andrew Puig, after a few close calls with BC runners on base, worked 2 innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 walk, and struck out 1. Ray Delphey went 2 innings, allowing 1 hit, 1 walk, and struck out 2 as he collects save number 2 (pretty sure Prado will use him as the closer from here on out).

The offense came to life in this game. Alex Mendez went 2 for 5. James Ramsay went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs and made a few great grabs in center field. Jimmy Falla went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs. Luis Llerena went 2 for 3 as well.

This was a nice bounce back win for the team after getting rocked in the first home game of 2012. USF is 4-1 to start the season, but they need to continue the strong hitting and do better on the mound and continue to make progress in this series. The Bulls will play BC again at 6PM tonight.

USF Softball Sweep the Day, Improves to 8-1

It was a big day for the USF softball team as they began the NFCA Tournament in Clearwater with a tough double header to start the tournament. 

The Bulls battled Illinois in the first game, winning 8 to 0 in 5 innings.  Lindsey Richardson once again was dealing.  She went 5 innings, allowing just 3 hits, 2 walks, and struck out 7 as she notches win number 5 of the season.  Gina Kafalas was 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs.  Ashli Goff was 2 for 2 with 2 RBIs and Laura Fountain was 2 for 2 with an RBI as well as the Bulls cruised to the victory at the start of the day.

The night cap was a bit harder as both Mississippi State and USF struggled to get anything going on offense.  Sara Nevins went all 7 innings, allowing 6 hits (several close calls with runners on base) and struck out 7.  The lone run of the game came from Gina Kafalas again who was 1 for 4 on the night. 

USF is now 8-1 to start the 2012 season, an incredible beginning, but there are a lot of games to go and it starts with Boston University tomorrow morning at 10:30 on day two of the NFCA Tournament. 

USF Takes on BCC for Three-Game Series

The USF Bulls, 3-1, take on Bethune Cookman for a 3-game series over the weekend here in Tampa.  The first game begins at 7PM tonight, the game on Saturday is scheduled to start at 6PM, and the two teams will wrap up the series on Sunday at 1PM.  BCC is 2-2 on the year and poses a strong test for USF early in the season. 

USF Softball Heads to Clearwater for NFCA Tournament

Stephanie Medina and the USF ladies return to the field for another big tournament. (Picture: USF Oracle)

The USF softball team, off to a hot 6-1 start to the season, begins another key tournament (NFCA Tournament) in Clearwater this weekend, putting the Bulls against another tough slate of opponents.  USF is hoping to keep the winning trend going, but it won't be easy.

For the first day of the tournament, USF will face Illinois (at 3:30PM) and Mississippi State (6PM).

We Did It! USF Cuts Have Been Evened Out!

You may remember a short while ago that the Florida state senate proposed a budget cut that seemed to single out USF. We spent the next days and weeks complaining to the state legislation and signing different forms to express our distaste for the cuts. If you've been a part of any of the protests and petitions against the outrageous budget cuts, first, thank you for your concern and continued support. Second, it now looks as if the battle has taken a dramatic turn in USF's favor. From tweets this afternoon, it appears that the budget has been undertaken by the state leaders and will be reviewed to redistribute the cuts so no single school is isolated in the amount they lose. Here are some encouraging posts that should satisfy you guys who have been following the whole #SaveUSF saga. Thanks again for all the work you've all helped do.

Reason to Believe

The Bulls lost a hard fought game last night against the 2nd ranked Syracuse Orange on the road.  USF jumped out to a big lead (by 13), let Syracuse go on a huge run and many thought the game would turn into a route, but the Bulls stormed back to close the game and made a game of it late.

Last night was just another example of how far this team has come in just a year.  The 2010-2011 season was one of the most painful years of basketball to watch for fans.  Just a 10-win campaign, the year before, many fans were wondering if Coach Heath's seat would start to get warm and if the program would continue to sit at the bottom of the conference. 

Entering the season, the same thoughts continued as the team was forced to play home games at UT, Lakeland, and at the Forum.  Senior guard Anthony Crater was dismissed from the team and only two newcomers, Anthony Collins and Blake Nash, were actively on the roster for the season for Heath.  There were big concerns at the point guard position and even bigger concerns at the lack of depth inside the paint. 

Yet, despite the concerns about the positions on the team and animosity among the fans, the team has prevailed.  They have 17 wins, 10 in conference play.  The experts picked the Bulls to finish at the bottom of the league, but instead they are near the top.  In a year when the Bulls were suppose to be the punching bag at the bottom of the league, they are throwing right hooks of their own.

There have been growing pains with the team.  Injuries at the start, cold shooting at times, a player leaving the team, and losing games in big fashion and dropping other games that leave fans scratching their heads (how did we lose to Penn State?).  But despite the pains, the team is growing.  Last night, they showed that they can play with the powers in the Big East and can grind out wins when no one expects them too.

The Bulls return home to face Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon (game scheduled for noon) at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.  This is one of the last games of the season and will be a monster game for the Bulls as they try to scratch for a few more wins late in year in hopes of getting an NCAA bid.  We are hoping everyone and their grandma gets to the Forum to support the Bulls during this great season. 

USF Baseball Falls 1 to 9 to UNF

The USF baseball team's bats were silenced tonight as they fall 1 to 9 to UNF and drop their first game of the year (3-1) as they opened their home slate.  

Kyle Parker went just 3.2 innings, allowing 7 hits, 4 runs, walking 2, and struck out 2. batters.  Austin Adams had a huge night, going 1.2 innings and striking out 5 batters (allowed just one hit).  Mike Clarkson went 1 inning, allowing 4 hits, 3 runs, and walked one (pitching just couldn't get the job done tonight).  Nick Gonzalez went 2.2 innings allowing 6 hits, 2 runs, and struck out one batter.  The pitching and fielding struggled tonight as the Bulls could not gain any ground after UNF pounced on them early.  

Buddy Putnam went 1 for 4 with a run scored.  Andrew Longley went 1 for 4, driving in the lone run on the night for USF as the bats went cold at the wrong time. 

The Bulls need to put this game behind them fast.  The offense was cold tonight and has to get going soon to help support the pitching staff.  The Bulls open a 3-game series against Bethune-Cookman on Friday night and will need to play better than this if they want to take a few games. 

USF MBB Falls to Syracuse 48 to 56

The USF Bulls, 17-11 (10-5), took an early lead against 2nd ranked Syracuse in the first half, leading 12 to 5 at one point, but the Orange locked USF down, keeping the Bulls off the scoreboard for nearly 12 minutes while they came to take the huge lead.

USF shot just 38% for the game, but shot just 23% from 3-point range later in the game as they failed to make their shots. The Bulls out rebounded Syracuse 39 to 30, but had 17 turnovers (12 in the first half) compared to just 11 assists. USF made a game of it late, but it was just too much Syracuse at the end, but the Bulls showed fight as they try to make it to the NCAA tournament late in the season.

USF Baseball Opens Home Opener with North Florida

The USF Bulls, 3-0, return to campus to play their first game at home of 2012 as they take on North Florida (game starts at 7PM). North Florida is 1-2 on the season, dropping their last game to Southern Illinois 12 to 16. USF will need to continue their great starting pitching and timely hitting if they want to get a big win here.

UNF lost their one game to USF last year 1 to 4 and finished the 2011 season at 27-27 (14-14 away from home) so this is going to be a close game.

USF MBB Takes on Syracuse

The USF Bulls 17-10 (10-4) hit the road once more as they face one of the best teams in the nation, Syracuse. The Orange, ranked 2nd in the nation, is 27-1 (14-1) and 17-0 at home,. They are a tremendous team that has aspirations for the NCAA championship and could be a one seed when the brackets role out.

Syracuse is averaging 76 points per game, allowing just 60.8 points per game against their 2-3 zone defense that often throws off teams and frustrates them into taking bad shots. The Bulls are facing a huge uphill battle in this game (game starts at 7PM).

Know Thy Enemy: Syracuse

The USF Bulls, 17-10 (10-4) are on the road as they continue to surge late in the Big East schedule but are facing a huge test as they visit 2nd ranked Syracuse. The Orange are 27-1 and seem to dominate anyone they face. They have size and speed and can run up and down the court, but they have been beaten before and by slowing the pace, it can frustrate them a bit and the slight chance of an upset is possible. To find out more about the Orange, I asked my friend Nicole from the Volvo Biggest Fan Challenge to give us some inside information (make sure to check out her site HERE).

USF Lands 3rd Verbal Commit for 2013 Class

News broke last night that 2013 quarterback prospect Asiantii Woulard out of Winter Park, Florida (confirmed by Josh Newberg of 247 Sports).

The 6-4 205-pound quarterback is one of the top targets for USF in the 2013 recruiting class and landing a verbal commitment from him this early is a great sign for Holtz and staff. Woulard, not yet rated by Scout or Rivals, has offers from Pitt and FAMU as well, but is expected to get plenty of offers down the road. Woulard is also former teammates with recent commit D'vario Montgomery.

Adding Woulard is a huge gain for USF. After losing out on Tyler Cameron in the 2012 class, quarterback was one of the need positions for 2013 and the Bulls may have landed their top target. USF could still add another quarterback to the class and it's still a long day from signing day, but for now, he is a Bull. Check out the video below for some of Woulard's highlights.

Right away you can see he is a gifted athlete. He stands tall in the pocket (taller than Daniels) and has a very smooth delivery on the passes. He is not as fast as Daniels, but has the size and strength to move in the pocket and pick up yards when forced out. If he can continue to develop and get stronger, he could be a dangerous passer for the Bulls down the road.

USF Hires Former NFL Wide Receiver to Coaching Staff

From USF Athletics - News came today that Coach Holtz has added former NFL wide receiver Jerome Pathon to the coaching staff. The 36-year old Pathon, originally born in South Afrida, has been the wide receivers coach at the University of San Diego (I-AA) for the last three seasons and will handle the wide receiver coaching position that was left behind after Phil McGeoghan left to take an assistant wide receiver job with the Miami Dolphins.

Talented Pitching and Timely Hitting Leading USF Softball

Lindsey Richardson is just one player leading to the fast start for USF in 2012 (Picture: USF Oracle)

The USF Bulls came into the 2012 season expecting big things after a great 2011 season that came up just a bit short of the NCAA tournament.  The Bulls are off to a quick 6-1 start on the year, doing it with strong pitching and timely hitting to come away with big wins. 

Recapping Huge Weekend for USF

It was a huge and historic weekend for USF athletics.  For those who were sleeping or dodging rain drops during the past three days, here is what you missed.

USF MBB Beats Pitt on the Road

AC is just ice cold, get use to it.

The USF Bulls, facing a huge test on the road, were able to rally and win a huge game 56 to 47 over Pitt as they improve to 17-10 (10-5) on the season. The Bulls jumped out to a 15 to 4 lead, but the Panthers rallied at the end of the half to cut it to a one point game before USF rallied to to widen the game and close out for the huge victory.

USF Baseball Beats Minnesota on Strange Rule

Andrew Barbosa made a great return for the Bulls as they improve to 3-0 on the season after a strange game. 

The USF Bulls, on the final day of the Big East/Big Ten Challenge were able to beat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 4 to 3 on a very strange and bizarre circumstance.  Minnesota was forced to forfeit the game due to their travel schedule, forcing them to lose the game when they had two batters on and no outs in the 8th inning.  This is a very strange circumstance for any game, but it is in the books and USF is now 3-0 to start the season (first 3-0 start since 2007). 

USF Softball Completes Tournament Sweep with 2 to 0 Win Over Georgia Southern

Lindsey Richardson was dealing heat as the Bulls improve to 6-1 (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

The USF ladies continue their incredible start to the 2012 season with a 2 to 0 win over Georgia Southern as they improve to an incredible 6-1 record to start the season.  It was a pitchers duel with Lindsey Richardson dealing heat from the start.  She went 6 innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk, and struck out 0.  Sam Greiner came in for the 7th and struck out the side to end the game. 

USF MBB Takes on Pitt

Robertson and the Bulls face a huge test on the road. (Picture: AP)

The USF Bulls, now 16-10 (9-4) in the Big East, hit the road as they take on the Pitt Panthers in round two.  Pitt, 15-12 (4-10) lost their last game to WVU, but still has a record of 10-6 at home, posing a real measuring point for the Bulls.

USF won the first game in Tampa 63 to 51, holding Ashton Gibbs to one point (unreal effort by Hugh Robertson to slow him down during the game).  The Bulls were able to dictate the pace of the game, controlling the clock, and taking high percentage shots in the paint.  They will need to do the same in this second game (game starts at 7PM).

USF Baseball Takes on Minnesota

The Bulls are playing their third game in as many days in the final round of the Big Ten/Big East Challenge (faced Ohio State and Michigan State to open the season).  USF is 2-0 on the season thanks to a walk-off home run by Andrew Longley to top the Spartans.  The Bulls are hoping to carry the momentum over as they take on the Gophers.

The Golden Gophers are coming off of a 25-24 (13-11) campaign in 2011.  They are 1-1 on the season, losing 1 to 6 to St. John's the other day.  They return a solid group of players, but do not have a lot of power in their batting order.  None the less, the Bulls have to come out and battle for this win (game starts at 1PM pending the weather, just all weekend with rain coming in off the gulf). 

USF Softball Takes on Georgia Southern

The USF Bulls, are back in action as they wrap up their final day of the USF Invitational Tournament.  The Bulls are 5-1 on the season after taking down Wisconsin and Arkansas.  They will be taking on Georgia Southern (5-4) in the finale (game slated to start at 1PM, weather permitting).

USF Softball Sweeps Wisconsin and Arkansas

After being rained out the other day (missing the game against Drake) the Bulls returned to action in a key double header against Wisconsin and Arkansas.  

The ladies dominated their first game against Wisconsin, beating them 5 to 0.  Janine Richardson had 2 for 3.  Kourtney Salvarola was 1 for 3 with an RBI.  Jessica Mouse was 2 for 3 with an RBI.  Kenshyra Jackson was 1 for 1 with an RBI.  Stephanie Medina was 1 for 3 with an RBI as well.  The ladies had a strong pitching performance as well.  Sam Greiner started the game, working 2.1 innings, allowing 2 hits, walking 3 and struck out 2.  Lindsey Richardson went 4.2 innings, allowing 1 hit and struck out 6 as she improves to 2-0 on the season.  This was a great start to the day for the ladies as they came out strong and got the big win to open the day.

USF WBB Beats Pitt

Caitlin Rowe and company had a huge game as they improve to 15-13 on the season. 

The USF ladies, down early in the contest, were able to rally back thanks to the spark from senior guard Jasmine Wynne off the bench.  The Bulls were able to come out strong in the second half and won 62 to 50 over Pitt and are now 15-13 (7-7) on the season as they continue to try to reach the postseason. 

Tahira Johnson had 12 points (season high) with 6 rebounds and 2 assists.  Sasha Bernard had 2 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists.  Cailtin Rowe had 8 points and 3 rebounds.  Andrell Smith had 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals on the evening.  Inga Orekhova had 11 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.  Jasmine Wynne, cleared to play, provided a huge spark off the bench for the Bulls.  She had 14 points and 8 rebounds, leading the second half charge as the Bulls pulled away in the second half. 

USF faces two more games in the regular season, both of which are huge for their postseason hopes.  They will take on Notre Dame on Saturday afternoon at 2PM. 

USF Baseball Wins on Walk-Off Home Run!

Andrew Longley was the hero in this game (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

The Bulls battled one of the best teams in the nation, clawing for hits, but managed to get the big ones late as they beat Michigan State 2 to 1 in the bottom of the 9th inning to improve to 2-0 to start the season. 

USF WBB Takes on Pitt

The USF ladies, coming off of a strong win against Marquette on the road, return home to take on Pitt at 7PM.  The Bulls are 14-13 (6-7) on the season and will need to close out the season with some key wins if they want a shot to get an NIT bid.  Pitt is 8-17 (0-12) on the year with an 0-8 record on the road so this is a game the Bulls need to have.  They allow 69 points per game and only average 59 points per game, so the Bulls have a chance to put up points and fight for a huge win (game starts at 7PM at the Rec Center). 

USF Softball Takes on Wisconsin and Arkansas in double header

After their first game of the tournament was rained out (did not face Drake), the USF Bulls (3-1) take on Wisconsin in the 3rd game of the USF Invitational Tournament (followed by Arkansas).

Wisconsin is playing in just its second game of the season (no thanks to that rain delay the previous day).  The lady Badgers are looking to start the season strong after a 30-23 season last year (finished 6th in the Big 10 standings) (game scheduled to start at 4:15PM).

USF Baseball Takes on Michigan State

Round two, batter up.

Game two of the season is here as the Bulls as they continue the Big Ten/Big East Challenge.  The Bulls, after beating OSU the day before in St. Pete (won 5 to 3), will take on Michigan State in Clearwater (game starts at 1PM, depending on the weather in the area). 

The Spartans finished the 2011 season with a record of 36-21 (15-9) tied for first in the Big Ten (faced St. John's in the first game of the season).  They are a power slugging team that will challenge the USF pitching staff and have enough arms in the bullpen to cool off the USF bats, here are the key players to watch in this game.  The Spartans won their first game 11 to 4 over St. John's, so their offense is ready to roll in this game.

USF Baseball Wins Season Opener Over Ohio State 5 to 3

Todd Brazeal went 4 for 4 as the Bulls beat Ohio State to open the season (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

The USF Bulls got off to a solid start to the 2012 season as they hung on to beat Ohio State 5 to 3 in the opening round of the Big East/Big Ten Challenge (1-0).  The Bulls had a 4 run advantage, but the Buckeyes were able to come back before the Bulls bullpen shut the door on them.

USF Softball Takes on Drake

The USF ladies, coming off of a 3-1 start to the season, take on Drake in the first game of the USF Invitational (game starts at 4:45PM. weather could be a factor today with rain in the area, but no delays as of yet). 

Drake (who faces Wisconsin before facing USF in the evening game).  Drake is 2-2 on the season (before Wisconsin of course) is looking to improve on their 34-21 effort from last year.  The Bulls were able to take care of business last week and battled Florida tough, but will need to rally in the first game against Drake in this opening tournament. 

USF Baseball Begins 2012 Season with OSU

Game on.

The 2012 USF baseball season is finally here!  The Bulls, coming off of a disappointing 2011 season are hoping to make it back to the Big East tournament and beyond.  Their first test will be the powers of the Big Ten Conference coming to St. Pete/Clearwater for the  Big Ten/Big East Challenge (game scheduled to start at 10AM). 

The Bulls will take on Ohio State in the first game of the season.  The Buckeyes finished the 2011 season at 26-27 (13-11) including 7-7 at neutral sights.  The Buckeyes return a solid team that has a lot of power and solid pitching posing a great challenge to open the season.  Time to take a look at the OSU lineup and what they bring to the field. 

USF Beats Villanova 65 to 51

Hugh Robertson had 14 as the Bulls pulled away from Villanova late in route to their 16th win of the season (Picture: AP)

The USF Bulls, looking to defend their home court, were able to pull away in an early defensive battle 65 to 51. The game was tied at 20 all at the half, but the Bulls were able to pull ahead after a flagrant foul against Nova and a technical on Jay Wright that gave the Bulls the lead and momentum, they never looked back after that as they improve to 16-10 (9-4) on the season (that is not a typo, trust me on that).