USF’s softball team needed to go 4-0 this weekend against Providence and UConn to guarantee the Bulls their first Big East regular season title. Or, the Bulls could sweep Providence on Saturday and have Sunday’s doubleheader at UConn cancelled due to poor field conditions and wrap up the title.

OK, so they didn’t plan it to happen that way, but that’s exactly what the Bulls did - swept Providence and then the UConn doubleheader was cancelled, securing the Bulls their first Big East regular season title. It’s the first regular season Big East title for a USF team in any sport in the Bulls’ three years in the league.

USF coach Ken Eriksen, who is on the verge of reaching his eighth NCAA Tournament in 12 seasons at USF, summed up how the Bulls (42-17, 16-4) clinched the title Sunday: “Crazy year,” he said.

The Big East Tournament starts Thursday in Louisville with USF facing No. 8 seed Providence.

Belardo down to Bulls and Pride: Notre Dame Prep senior PG Gaby Belardo made his official visit to USF this weekend and had a “great, great visit,” Art Alvarez, his AAU coach, said Sunday.

Belardo’s two finalists are USF and Hofstra and Belardo will announce his decision Monday morning, Alvarez said.

Ex-Bulls savor shot with Bucs: In Sunday’s Tampa Tribune, columnist Martin Fennelly writes about USF OT Walter Walker and Bethune-Cookman LB Ronnie McCullough, who started his career at USF before transferring, and their dreams of making the Bucs roster.

“Even though some people might look at a tryout differently,” Walker said. “My wife and I, we took a knee and prayed and thanked God for the opportunity.”

Hillsborough gym dedicated after former USF coach: Also in Sunday’s Tribune, Hillsborough High School’s gym was renamed for former USF men’s basketball coach Don Williams.

Williams was USF’s first coach from 1971-74. He died on Feb. 28 from a neurological disorder. He was 84.