Eriksen leaves field heated after loss
USF managed just two hits in its 5-0 loss to Villanova.
ORACLE PHOTO/JACKIE BENITEZ
Going hitless through the first four innings, it was apparent USF softball coach Ken Eriksen was displeased with the approach his players were taking to the plate Sunday, constantly throwing his arms up in frustration.
With the Bulls winning seven of their first 10 matchups, including a 6-4 triumph over No. 6 Michigan, 2017 was off to hot start.
But in contrast to their early season success, the Bulls were a totally different team against the Villanova (6-4), both on and off the field, falling to the Wildcats 5-0 at the USF Softball Stadium.
But USF’s on-field struggles weren’t the only thing off Sunday afternoon.
Following their defeat, the sports information director for USF softball said that Eriksen would not be available for interviews postgame after he left the field directly following the game. The media was also told that players would not be available for interviews for games until further notice.
Not speaking to the media after games is uncommon for Eriksen, according to the SID, even when it’s coming off of a loss.
This comes two weeks after the removal of former AAC Player of the Year center fielder Juli Weber.
Released from the team on Feb. 21 for undisclosed reasons, the Bulls have been playing without one of their offensive leaders from 2016 in Weber, who batted .406 in 2016.
The Bulls (13-7) are still in a prime position to make a run for their fourth NCAA tournament in five years, and will have a shot at redemption when Boston College and Penn come visit Wednesday.
More Stories
USF’s Fernandez’s 25th anniversary spoiled by loss against Vanderbilt
On the 25th anniversary of his hiring as head coach, Jose Fernandez and the USF women’s basketball team fell to Vanderbilt 62-49 in the Yuengling Center. The Bulls (2-2), trailed by only two at the end of the first quarter on Thursday, but were outscored 43-32 the remainder of the game. Related: USF’s Jose Fernandez […]
A look at USF’s quarterback play this season
USF has faced a period of instability at quarterback this season, marred by injury and inconsistent play. The uneven play from the Bulls’ signal callers have led to an offense that ranks last in passing efficiency in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), with an efficiency score of 113.5. Contributing to the lackluster pass game is […]
Column: Is USF football regressing or just rebuilding?
After a loss in which the Bulls were held scoreless for nearly the entire game on Saturday, coach Alex Golesh revealed his thoughts on the offense. “It looks like we’re in year one,” Golesh said after the 28-7 defeat against Navy. “There’s a bunch of young cats out there, and it doesn’t look like what […]
USF men’s basketball wins home opener amid first half brawl
USF’s 85-69 home-opening win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff took an intense turn when a heated scuffle erupted in the first half of the game. Golden Lions junior guard Zach Reinhart shoved Bulls junior forward De’Ante Green after a play along the sidelines, triggering a bench-clearing confrontation. As Green tried to get up, Reinhart escalated tensions by […]
USF’s Golesh sticking with quarterback Archie for Charlotte matchup
USF will take on Charlotte on the road on Saturday after a 28-7 defeat against Navy during Homecoming week. USF and Charlotte last faced off against each other in 2023 where the Bulls defeated the 49ers 48-14 in a victory to clinch bowl eligibility. Bulls coach Alex Golesh said the Bulls are determined to move […]
USF Vs. Navy takeaways: Missed chances doom Bulls
USF’s season-long struggle with consistency was on full display Saturday, as it failed to muster enough offense in a 28-7 Homecoming loss to Navy. Missed opportunities and turnovers continued to plague a Bulls team searching for stability in the final stretch of the season. Head coach Alex Golesh took responsibility for the team’s lackluster performance. […]