The Bulls erase a six-point deficit and leave Ohio 4-0 for the first time since 2018.

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (FNN SPORTS) — The first three quarters belonged to a low-scoring game. The fourth belonged to South Florida.

Bowling Green entered the final quarter ahead 6-0, but USF’s defense had kept the margin small enough for one possession to change the direction of the game. Three quiet quarters did not decide this one. The final quarter did.

That opportunity came after a fourth-down stop near midfield.

USF Head Coach Brian Hartline reviewing play. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News.

D.J. Crowther helped move the Bulls downfield, and Luke Kromenhoek finished the possession with a two-yard touchdown run to put USF ahead 7-6.

Crowther was back at the center of the next scoring drive, ending a 72-yard possession with a one-yard touchdown. He finished the afternoon with 143 rushing yards on 23 carries.

Bowling Green’s final drive reached USF territory, but Asani Redwood recorded a late sack before the Falcons came up two yards short on fourth-and-16.

USF walked away with the 14-6 win and its first 4-0 start since 2018.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — ANNIKA Media Day brought golf to Tropicana Field Thursday as former USF standout Melanie Green helped preview The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican ahead of its November return.

Green, the 2025 Epson Tour Player of the Year and Gaëlle Truet Rookie of the Year, spent the day meeting with media, connecting with fans and throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the Tampa Bay Rays game.

Green Reflects on USF Roots

Florida National News’ Todd Grasley asked Green what it means to now compete in an LPGA event essentially in her own backyard after spending four years at USF and making Florida home.

“Being a Florida resident now, I’m like, okay, this is awesome,” Green said. “So, you know, it’s exciting.”

The setting carries a different meaning for Green now. She has gone from competing collegiately at USF to the Epson Tour, where her breakout 2025 season earned her Player of the Year honors and a tour card.

Photo: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News / FNN Sports

From Epson Tour to the LPGA

Grasley asked Green about that climb — from USF to Epson Tour Player of the Year and now competing against some of the best players in the world while realizing a childhood dream.

Green reflected on the role her faith and support system played in that journey, saying much of what has happened was bigger than anything she could have created on her own.

When asked if there was an “aha” moment when being an LPGA player finally felt real, Green admitted the transition still requires reminders.

“I feel like I have to continually just keep reminding myself,”

She later put the adjustment into perspective.

“Once you get past the ‘whoa’ of the LPGA, then you can kind of feel like … your feet just aren’t getting wet, you’re actually in the water.”

Attendees gather during ANNIKA Media Day at Tropicana Field as preparations continue for The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican this November. Photo: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News / FNN Sports

USF Foundation Still Matters

Green also reflected on how her time at USF helped prepare her for life beyond college golf.

“I would say my coaches were phenomenal for me,” Green said.

Rather than focusing solely on the mechanics of her swing, Green said her coaches helped her navigate the larger demands surrounding competition, including tournament preparation and time management.

Green Looks Ahead to The ANNIKA

The conversation also turned to Annika Sörenstam, whose career Green followed before getting the opportunity to compete professionally in the tournament bearing her name.

Grasley asked what Sörenstam has meant to Green as a player she looked up to and what it means to now participate in her event as a professional.

“She holds just about, seems like, every record.”

Green describes Sörenstam as someone players continue to look up to and aspire toward.

The ANNIKA Returns in November

The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican returns to Pelican Golf Club in Belleair Nov. 11-15, with tournament play beginning Nov. 12.

Green is among the early commitments for the 2026 field. For Green, the week will bring another milestone in a season already filled with firsts — this time competing near the place where a major part of her golf journey began.

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Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

INTENNSE Tennis League to Debut in Tampa, Redefining the Sport with Fast-Paced, Fan Friendly Format

Zephyrhills, FL – January 28, 2025 – A groundbreaking new era for professional tennis is set to begin in Tampa as INTENNSE, a modern, high-energy professional tennis league, makes its debut on Sunday, February 2nd at the SVB Tennis Academy & Wellness Center in Zephyrhills. Designed to deliver nonstop action, an immersive fan experience, and a team-based format, INTENNSE is revolutionizing the sport by eliminating downtime, simplifying scoring, and turning matches into fast-paced, electrifying competitions.
Tampa will serve as the launchpad for this dynamic new league, offering an experience unlike any other in professional tennis. Fans will witness INTENNSE’s signature “Bolts” format, which features time-bound, high-intensity matches where every second counts.
Revolutionizing Tennis for Modern Sports Fans

INTENNSE is designed for today’s sports audience, blending the thrill of competition with an engaging atmosphere. Fans can cheer without restrictions, interact with players and coaches, and enjoy an entertainment driven experience that breaks away from traditional tennis norms.
“We’re bringing a fresh, exhilarating take on professional tennis,” said Yannick Yoshizawa, Vice President of Experience at INTENNSE. “INTENNSE introduces a team-based league with an electrifying format, featuring fast-paced scoring, continuous action, and a fan-friendly environment. It’s a game-changer for the sport.”

The league launches with four teams Tampa (TPA), Jacksonville (JAX), Atlanta (ATL), and Knoxville (KNO) each consisting of six players (three men, three women). The inaugural season runs from June to August, with teams competing in home-and-away dual matches, further building local community engagement and team identity.

The INTENNSE Format: Fast, Fierce, and Fan-Focused

INTENNSE redefines traditional tennis with its unique “Bolts” format, delivering matches that are faster, more interactive, and designed for today’s media landscape.

Key Features of INTENNSE:
• Time-Bound Matches: Every match consists of three 10-minute Bolts, keeping the pace exhilarating for both players and fans.
• Simplified Scoring: Each point counts as 1, while a clean winner (opponent doesn’t touch the ball) earns 2 points making every play count.
• No Dead Time: Traditional delays are eliminated with one toss, one serve, and only 20 seconds between points.
• Engaged Spectators: Unlike traditional tennis, fans are encouraged to cheer, enjoy music, and interact throughout the match.
• Live Coaching: Coaches can communicate with players between points, adding a strategic element to the game.
Each INTENNSE dual match consists of:
• Men’s Singles (30 minutes)
• Women’s Singles (30 minutes)
• Mixed Doubles (30 minutes)

The team with the most points at the end of the match wins no walkovers, no drawn-out rallies, just pure, high-energy tennis.

A Gateway for Players to Build Their Careers
Beyond reshaping the fan experience, INTENNSE is also a career-changing opportunity for players. Unlike traditional professional tennis circuits where financial sustainability is a challenge, INTENNSE creates new earning opportunities for athletes.
“Playing professional tennis doesn’t always mean making a living,” Yoshizawa explained. “At INTENNSE, we provide stable training, community involvement, media exposure, and financial opportunities, ensuring players can thrive both on and off the court.”
By incorporating grassroots events, junior clinics, and media platforms, INTENNSE ensures that its players not only compete at a high level but also grow the game both within their communities and on a national stage.

Tampa’s Exclusive Debut Event: What to Expect
The February 2nd event will kick off the INTENNSE era with a full day of action-packed programming:
SVB Tennis Academy & Wellness Center – Zephyrhills, FL
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Morning trials (streamed live)
• 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Fan-friendly tennis, pickleball, and padel clinics
• 2:00 PM – Tampa vs. Jacksonville Pro Teams face off in an electrifying dual match

Beyond the matches, INTENNSE is committed to giving back to the community, working with the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Foundation to support local schools through after-school tennis and education programs.

Be Part of Tennis History
With Tampa as the starting point, INTENNSE is set to disrupt the tennis world and create a new era for the sport. Florida sports fans won’t want to miss this historic moment as INTENNSE ignites the courts with its innovative, fast-paced league.