USF Tops Softball, 2-1, With Sixth Inning Rally

Feb. 19, 2010

TAMPA, Fla. - The Michigan State softball team (3-3) returned to action at the La Quinta Inn and Suites Tournament Friday afternoon, falling 2-1 to host USF. Sophomore Melanie Bensema recorded the lone Spartan run when she hit her first home run of the season to left field.

In 5.1 innings of work, senior Kelly Confer (0-2) allowed two earned runs on seven hits, while striking out two batters. Capri Catalano (2-0) pitched a complete game for the Bulls in her win. Catalano allowed one earned run on two hits. Sophomore Lauren Kramer saw 2/3 of an inning pitched in relief work, tallying one strike out.

Facing a 1-0 deficit heading into the sixth inning, Alison Savarese responded for USF with a game winning two-run homer. Savarese scored Melissa Rosas, who was pinch running for JoJo Medina.

The Spartans got on the board first in the second inning when Bensema recorded her third-career home run with no runners on base.

Down 2-1 in the seventh and hoping for a late rally, MSU went down in order in the top of the inning to end the game.

Michigan State returns to action tomorrow (Feb. 20) when it takes the field for a 9 a.m. game against North Dakota State as a part of the La Quinta Inn and Suites Tournament. MSU will follow the game against the Bison with an 11:15 a.m. game against Hofstra.