Wolverines Fall to No. 2 Florida, Host USF at Wilson-Demarini Tournament

Saturday, February 10

Tampa, Fla.

11:00 AM

Michigan

2-1

Florida

2-0

Michigan

Florida

Aidan Falk

Photo by: Mike Janes

Wolverines Fall to No. 2 Florida, Host USF at Wilson-Demarini Tournament

2/10/2018 6:37:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Photo Gallery (Florida)

By: Leah Howard

» No. 18 Michigan dropped a pair of close decisions on the second day at the USF Wilson-Demarini Tournament, falling to No. 2 Florida, 2-0, and host USF, 3-2.
» Tera Blanco and Aidan Falk recorded solo homers, but U-M struggled with runners in scoring position, leaving 10 runners stranded on the day.
» LHP Megan Beaubien was strong despite the loss to Florida, striking out nine while allowing two runs on four hits and two walks -- only one Gator hit got out of the infield.

Site: Tampa, Fla. (USF Softball Stadium)
Event: USF Wilson-Demarini Tournament (Day 2 of 3)
Scores: #2 Florida 2, #18 Michigan 0; USF 3, #18 Michigan 2
Records: U-M (2-2), UF (2-0), USF (3-0)
Next U-M Event: Sunday, Feb. 11 -- vs. Illinois State -- USF Wilson-Demarini Tournament (Tampa, Fla.), 9 a.m.

TAMPA, Fla. -- The No. 18-ranked University of Michigan softball team struggled to push across runs on the second day of action at the USF Wilson-Demarini Tournament on Saturday (Feb. 10), as they dropped a pair of close games to No. 2 Florida, 2-0, and host University of South Florida, 3-2, at the Bulls' USF Softball Stadium.

The Gators claimed a pitchers' duel in the first slate as All-Americans Kelly Barnhill and Aleshia Ocasio combined to best freshman LHP Meghan Beaubien (1-1), who was strong in defeat, posting nine strikeouts while allowing two runs on four hits and two walks.

Florida broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth inning, putting two on base with a comeback single to the circle and subsequent walk, before shortstop Sophia Reynoso drove in both with a two-run single to center field -- the Gators' only hit out of the infield.

Michigan was not without its own scoring opportunities, outhitting Florida, 5-4, and chased Barnhill, the 2017 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, out of the circle after just two innings. Senior first baseman/RHP Tera Blanco, sophomore shortstop Madison Uden and junior outfielder Natalie Peters all recorded doubles, but the Wolverines stranded six runners through seven innings.

The Wolverines fell behind early in their second slate against host USF, which plated three in the first two innings on an RBI double in the first and two-run homer in the second. Four of the Bulls' five hits in the contest came in the first two frames.

Blanco and senior utility Aidan Falk knocked out back-to-back solo home runs in the top of the fourth -- Blanco to left field and Falk to left-center -- but Michigan could not push across the tying run.

Blanco (1-1) took the loss, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk while striking out five.

Michigan (2-1) will close out play at the USF Wilson-Demarini Tournament tomorrow (Sunday, Feb. 11) with a 9 a.m. slate against Illinois State at the Bulls' USF Softball Stadium.