Late Surge Earns USF A Spot In WNIT Field

TAMPA - The University of South Florida's opponent is somewhat of an unknown, but the tournament is a familiar one for the Bulls.

For the fourth time in five seasons, USF received a berth to the Women's National Invitation Tournament. The Bulls, who are making a school record fifth consecutive postseason appearance, will play Florida Gulf Coast University on Friday in Fort Myers.

"I am really pleased how this team finished the season," USF coach Jose Fernandez said.

The University of Florida (18-13) also made the 48-team WNIT field, but received a first-round bye. The Gators will play the USF-Florida Gulf Coast winner on Monday at a site to be determined.

Three weeks ago, the Bulls (16-15) were in danger of not only missing the postseason for the first time since 2003, but also not even qualifying for the Big East Tournament.

That all changed when USF pulled off consecutive upsets against Pittsburgh and Marquette to close the regular season and qualify for the Big East Tournament.

USF then earned its way into the WNIT by upsetting Syracuse in the first round of the Big East Tournament.

"Anytime you can continue your season in the postseason, it's a credit to our players," Fernandez said.

In eight seasons at USF, Fernandez is 116-122. Fernandez is only 12 victories shy of passing former men's coach Bobby Paschal as the school's all-time winningest basketball coach.

The Bulls play the Eagles, who are making the transition to Division I.

Florida Gulf Coast (21-8) competed this season as an Atlantic Sun Conference member and went 14-3 in league play and finished as the regular season runner-up. However, FGCU was ineligible for the NCAA Tournament.

The Eagles earned an automatic WNIT bid by winning the National Independent Tournament in Edinburg, Texas.

If USF defeats FGCU, the Bulls will face the Gators in the WNIT for the second time in four seasons. In 2005, USF defeated Florida 61-56 before losing in the second round to Wake Forest.