USF Softball Takes on FGCU in the Second Game of the NCAA Regional Tournament

After some clutch defense and timely hitting yesterday, the Bulls 46-11 face Florida Gulf Coast University (38-22) in the second game of the regional tournament.  FGCU surprised everyone yesterday by beating host Florida 2 to 1.  The Bulls beat FGCU earlier this season 4 to 2, but it will be another close game (game begins at 1PM).

FGCU is led by sophomore catcher Chelsea Zgrabik (5-11) who batted .340 during the regular season with 13 home runs and drove in 53 RBIs.  Sophomore outfielder Jessica Barnes (5-8) batted .331 with 8 doubles,  7 home runs, drove in 29 runs, and stole 25 bases (speed and power threat).  Sophomore catcher/1B Emily Lanier (5-10) batted .309 with 5 home runs and 26 RBIs.  Sophomore 3B Kirsten Bembnowski (5-6) batted .291 with 5 home runs and 26 RBIs.  Junior outfielder Mariah Fernandez (5-7) batted .226 with 8 home runs and 25 RBIs as well.  During the regular season, FGCU could put up runs on anyone and in the game against USF, got 6 hits, including a two-run home run against Nevins, so the pitching staff of the Bulls has to be ready against this loaded lineup.

The FGCU pitching staff is led by freshman RHP Shelby Morgan who is now 23-6 on the season after pitching a complete game yesterday.  During the regular season, Morgan worked 187.2 innings (had a 1.38 ERA) while allowing 152 hits, 50 walks, and struck out 189 batters (opponents hit .217 against her).  Sophomore RHP Amanda Josie was 10-5 during the regular season with a 2.16 ERA.  She worked 123.1 innings, allowing 128 hits, 22 walks, and struck out 38 batters.  USF struggled to get a hit until the 5th inning, but should be able to keep the pressure up and get runners on base.  USF needs to score first to take the pressure off of Nevins, Greiner, and Richardson. 

This is a big game for the ladies as they look to go up 2-0 in the regional and for a chance to move into the championship game to get to the super regional (would be first since 2006).  The Bulls expected to face UF here, but FGCU has the momentum after shocking the Gators (who might have 3 starters gone from their program, strange to read  that) and will be a huge challenge.