USF's top-seeded softball team lost 4-1 to DePaul in Saturday's Big East championship game, and the Bulls' baseball team dropped a doubleheader at St. John's, falling into greater jeopardy of missing the Big East tournament with four conference games remaining.
Softball, facing a ranked DePaul squad, trailed just 1-0 entering the sixth inning, but freshman Capri Catalano gave up three runs that inning, and USF would muster only one run in the seventh, missing a chance to become only the school's second Big East champions. The Bulls haven't hurt themselves with a close loss in the conference championship game and will find out Sunday night where they'll open the NCAA Tournament, the first step toward a goal of reaching the College World Series in Oklahoma City.
Baseball dropped the opening game 8-1 at St. John's, and led 3-1 in the ninth inning of the second game, only to see its bullpen give up the tying runs in the ninth, then lose 4-3 in the 10th. Ryan Lockwood's hit streak is now at 30 games, extending the longest active streak in the nation, but there's not much else good to come from Saturday's two losses.
Freshman Randy Fontanez was sharp, holding St. John's to one run entering the ninth, but closer Shawn Sanford, entering with two out in the ninth, couldn't retire any of the three batters he faced, hitting the first, then giving up two RBI singles to tie the game. Freshman Michael Anzivino got out of the ninth, but gave up a leadoff walkoff home run in the 10th.
USF is one of three teams tied for seventh, and has the tiebreaker advantage over the other two, but a win Sunday would keep them in a tie for seventh -- one of the other two teams will win Sunday. That would take some pressure off the season-ending series at home against Notre Dame, which starts Thursday in Tampa.
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
Hi, I Love Softball and It Is My Passion.
I am sorry that you lost, you will get them next time. I hope to be at a game one day and cheer you on. I know you can win. I will help you win one day. Cause I want to play softball for you the USF Bulls.
=] Thanks, Have a Great Day
Posted by: Kassie | May 11, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Ryan Lockwood is going to carry this team over the next for years. The late game losses are proof to the comments that our bullpen is too young, but Sanford is supposed to be our best closer and even he could not get it done. Hopefully our young bullpen will catch up to out young bats and be able to thrive in seasons to come but good luck to the guys in the tourny (assuming we make it there).
Posted by: jarred | May 11, 2008 at 03:18 AM