USF Softball Survives 14-Inning Thriller Against FAU

Coach Ken Eriksen calls the marathon game one of the top five in his 25-year career at USF.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:20pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in bright orange, deep blue, and vibrant green, capturing the intensity and energy of a high-stakes softball game.The 14-inning softball classic between USF and FAU was a masterpiece of pitching, defense, and competitive spirit.Today in Tampa

In a game that lasted over four hours, the USF softball team defeated Florida Atlantic University 1-0 in 14 innings on Sunday. USF sophomore pitcher Anne Long threw 218 pitches and struck out 13 batters in the complete game victory. The winning run came on an unearned error in the 14th inning, allowing Kathy Garcia-Soto to score the decisive run. USF coach Ken Eriksen said the game was one of the top five he has been involved with in his 25 years leading the program.

Why it matters

The marathon game showcased the pitching talents of both teams and the competitive spirit of the American Conference rivals. The win keeps USF atop the conference standings as they push towards the postseason.

The details

USF sophomore pitcher Anne Long was the star of the game, pitching all 14 innings and throwing 218 pitches. She struck out 13 batters and only allowed 7 hits. FAU's Autumn Courtney matched Long's performance, throwing 211 pitches in the losing effort. The game-winning run came in the 14th inning when USF's Kathy Garcia-Soto singled, stole second, and then scored on an error by the FAU third baseman.

  • The game lasted 4 hours and 10 minutes on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • It was the 1,746th game of Ken Eriksen's 25-year career as USF's head coach.

The players

Anne Long

USF sophomore pitcher who threw a complete game, allowing only 7 hits and striking out 13 batters over 14 innings.

Autumn Courtney

Florida Atlantic pitcher who matched Long's performance, throwing 211 pitches in the losing effort.

Ken Eriksen

USF's head softball coach for the past 25 years, who called the game one of the top 5 he has been involved with in his career.

Kathy Garcia-Soto

USF player who scored the game-winning run in the 14th inning after singling, stealing second, and then scoring on an error.

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What they’re saying

“If I had taken her out of the ball game, there would have been a revolution of the 1,200 people in the stands, and there would have been a revolution in my dugout. So, to be able to save face, it was a no brainer.”

— Ken Eriksen, USF Head Softball Coach

“I told her, kid, that was a great game. You have nothing to hang your head about. That was awesome. You know, what you did in those situations is only I could hope for as a coach, and I'm glad my kid did the same thing, but we'll see at the end of the year. There's a class act the whole time.”

— Ken Eriksen, USF Head Softball Coach

What’s next

USF remains atop the American Conference standings with a 14-4 record in league play. The Bulls are 32-13 overall and will look to continue their strong season as they push towards the postseason.

The takeaway

This marathon game showcased the incredible pitching talent and competitive spirit of both USF and FAU. The 14-inning classic is a testament to the high level of softball being played in the American Conference and will serve as great preparation for the Bulls as they aim for a deep postseason run.