The University of Memphis softball team lost 5-2 to South Florida on Sunday, concluding their first weekend of conference play without a win. The Tigers now hold a 7-16 overall record and are 0-3 in the American Athletic Conference, while South Florida improved to 20-8 overall and 3-0 in conference play.
Memphis initially took a 2-1 lead after responding to an early run by South Florida. The Bulls opened the scoring with an RBI single from Olivia Elliott. Memphis answered in the bottom half of the first inning with an RBI double following a two-out single by Brown.
In the second inning, Memphis worked through trouble with runners on base, ending the threat with a lineout. The Tigers gained their lead in that frame thanks to a solo home run, which was Williams’ second of the season. This home run also marked her ninth hit and ninth RBI for the year.
South Florida regained control in the third inning, scoring three runs with two outs. Alex Wilkes hit a two-run homer to center field, followed by DaNia Brooks’ RBI single up the middle after a pitching change. This sequence gave South Florida a 4-2 advantage.
Memphis left two runners stranded in scoring position during the fourth inning after grounding out. South Florida added another run on a wild pitch combined with a defensive error by Memphis. The Tigers again left runners on base at the end of that inning due to a flyout and strikeout.
In the seventh inning, Memphis held South Florida scoreless and managed to put two runners on base with singles from Ariel Davis and another player. However, their comeback attempt ended when DaNia Brooks made a leaping catch for the final out.
Pitchers Clark and Stutts contributed by tossing 2.1 and 2.0 innings respectively without allowing any earned runs; Clark’s only run allowed was unearned due to an error.
Statistically, Memphis is now 6-3 when outhitting opponents and holds an even record when scoring in the first inning this season. Clark went 2-for-3 at bat with an RBI double and has raised her OPS above 1.000 for the season after logging her second double.
Brown finished 1-for-4 with one run scored and is currently hitting .333 for the year, ranking third on the team in runs scored (11). Davis logged one hit in this game; she leads Memphis with a .368 batting average as well as team highs in hits (25) and runs scored (17). Mack was 1-for-2 after entering as catcher and now holds a .306 average for the season. Brienesse also recorded one hit, raising her team-leading batting average to .370.
Stutts pitched two innings without giving up any hits and continues to lead Memphis pitchers in WHIP (1.83), innings pitched (42), and strikeouts (15).
Next up for Memphis is a nonconference home game against North Alabama on Wednesday at 3 p.m., followed by an away series at UTSA over the weekend.
For more information about Memphis Tigers Softball, fans can visit their official website or follow them on social media channels.
