TAMPA, Fla. – Indiana State Softball dropped a pair of contests Thursday at the USF Tournament, falling to Kansas, 10–4, before coming up short against host South Florida, 4–2, at USF Softball Stadium. 

Indiana State struck first in the opening inning against Kansas. Morgan Goodrich walked and advanced into scoring position before coming home on a sacrifice fly by Hannah Welch to give the Sycamores a 1–0 lead. 

Kansas responded with three runs in the bottom of the first inning and erupted for seven runs in the second to take control of the game. 

The Sycamores continued to compete offensively, scoring single runs in the third, fourth, and fifth innings. 

Claire Connelly doubled to right center in the third to drive in a run, while Lauren Marsicek was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the fourth to force in another. Indiana State added its final run in the fifth when Hannah Welch scored on a throwing error following aggressive baserunning. 

Indiana State recorded seven hits in the contest, with Madison Poulson collecting a hit and stolen base, and multiple Sycamores reaching base throughout the afternoon. 

Indiana State jumped out early against the host Bulls, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. 

Morgan Goodrich walked to begin the game, stole both second and third, and later scored on a throwing error. Madison Poulson also reached base and came around to score in the inning, giving the Sycamores an early 2–0 advantage. 

South Florida responded in the third inning with four runs on four hits to take a 4–2 lead. 

Indiana State threatened in the second and seventh innings, putting runners in scoring position, but was unable to push additional runs across. Sophie Esposito recorded a seventh-inning single as the Sycamores attempted to rally late. 

Lauren Sackett went the distance in the circle, allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out multiple batters. 

How They Scored 

vs. Kansas 

• 1st inning: Welch sacrifice fly (Goodrich scored) 

• 3rd inning: Connelly RBI double 

• 4th inning: Marsicek RBI (hit by pitch) 

• 5th inning: Run scored on throwing error 

vs. South Florida 

• 1st inning: Goodrich scored on throwing error 

• 1st inning: Additional run scored on defensive miscue 

News & Notes 

• Indiana State scored first in both games Thursday 

• Goodrich stole multiple bases against South Florida 

• Connelly recorded an RBI double vs. Kansas 

• Sackett threw a complete game against USF 

• The Sycamores recorded 10 total hits across the two contests 

Indiana State continues play at the USF Tournament on Friday against DePaul.