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. 

*Note the stats below will not have the updated numbers from their first game against Wisconsin due to the weather delay.

Drake is led by junior outfielder Macie Silliman (5-6) who is hitting .364 (4 of 11 so far) and is also 4 for 4 in steal attempts as well.  Sophomore utility player Amy Pierce (5-6) is 5 for 15 so far to start the season with 1 double and has driven in 4 runs so far to start the year.  Sophomore utility player Nicole Randel (5-5) is 2 for 6 to star the season with 2 doubles.  Senior infielder Torey Craddock (5-8) is hitting .300 with one home run and has driven in 3 runs (have to watch for her to anchor the batting order for them).  Junior infielder Lindsey Vande Wall (5-8) is 3 for 12 to start the season (hitting .250) with one RBI. 

The Bulldogs are anchored in their rotation with freshman RHP Rebekah Schmidt (5-9).  She is 1-1 on the season with a 3.21 ERA.  She has pitched 14 innings, allowing 10 hits, walking 8 and has struck out 14 batters (allowing just .192 batting average against her).  Sophomore RHP Jordan Gronewood (5-9) is 1-1 on the season on the year with a 3.86 ERA.  She has allowed 14 hits in 14 innings, walking 7, striking out 13, allowing opponents to hit .259 against her.

The Bulls have the deeper team in this game, with firepower and the arms in the rotation.  USF should be able to throw out their best pitchers in this game and take care of business in the opening round.