TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The South Florida Bulls overcame an early four-run deficit to defeat the Illinois Fighting Illini 9-4 in the season opener for both teams Friday at USF Baseball Stadium.

Illinois built its lead in the third inning on a solo home run by Farina M. and a pair of RBI singles. South Florida began chipping away in the bottom of the frame on a two-run single by Kulikowski. The Bulls took the lead for good with a three-run fifth inning, capitalizing on an Illinois error to score the go-ahead run.

South Florida broke the game open with a three-run seventh, highlighted by a two-run triple from Jevin Relaford. The Bulls collected 10 hits to Illinois’ six. South Florida opens the season 1-0, while Illinois starts 0-1. The teams continue their series Saturday.