USF softball splits opening weekend

Posted Feb 15, 2010 by Scott Carter

Updated Feb 15, 2010 at 11:56 AM

USF softball coach Ken Eriksen has one of his deepest pitching rotations this season, and the newest member to that staff—freshman Lindsey Richardson—made her presence felt Sunday in her first career start.

Richardson allowed seven hits and one run in seven innings Sunday, striking out 11 and walking none in USF’s 6-1 win over Canisius in the Bulls’ final game of the Wilson-DeMarini Tournament in Clearwater. USF went 2-2 in the season-opening tournament, which was plagued by inclement weather.

The Bulls defeated Illinois State in the season opener on Saturday, but lost to East Carolina and No. 3-ranked Florida before closing the tournament with a victory over Canisius.

Richardson’s performance was the best from a pitching staff Eriksen is relying on heavily to carry the Bulls further than their 34-22 record from a season ago.

Senior Kristen Gordon, who Eriksen said has “probably some of the nastiest stuff I’ve ever coached,” was roughed up in her first start of the season Sunday, giving up three runs in just 1/3 of an inning.

However, behind Gordon in the rotation is sophomore Capri Catalano, who missed all of last season. Catalano was 17-1 in 2008. In addition, sophomores Candace Howell and Brittany Bowles showed promise as freshmen and are expected to be regular starters.

Richardson made her case for a regular spot in the rotation with Sunday’s outing.

“I don’t have a set pitching rotation,” Eriksen said. “I have a lot of options. I have five pitchers who we could throw at anybody in the country right now.’‘

The Bulls return to the field Friday afternoon against Wright State in the first game of the La Quinta Inn and Suites Tournament at the USF Softball Stadium.