By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

TAMPA – The Bulls made their opening Big East statement with authority Saturday afternoon.

Sara Nevins gave up two hits in four innings and Stephanie Medina's grand slam was one of two USF homers in a 9-0 victory over Rutgers in the conference opener for both teams at USF softball stadium. The 22nd-ranked Bulls (27-5) set a new record for the best start to a season in program history and easily extended their winning streak to seven games.

Medina's sixth homer of the season spotted USF a 6-0 lead in the second inning after Kenshyra Jackson got the scoring outburst going in the first with a two-run homer in the opener of Saturday's doubleheader.

That was more than enough support for Nevins, who improved to 14-2 this season. The left-hander struck out five, didn't allow a walk and lowered her earned run average to 0.60. Freshman Sam Greiner breezed through the fifth inning to finish off what continues to be a great stretch for the USF pitching staff. The Bulls have given up just two earned runs in the last 13 games.

Saturday's rout allowed a total of 19 USF players to get involved and five Bulls each had a hit to help the team improve to 18-2 at home this season.

Jackson put USF on the board right away with her two-run shot above the tall wall in left field. Jackson and Medina have combined to hit 10 of USF's 17 homers this season.

The Bulls loaded the bases for Medina in the second when Laura Fountain and Gina Kafalas walked, and Sydney Dinelli hit into a fielder's choice. Medina's drive well past the wall in right field helped USF score at least six runs for the ninth time this season.

Jessica Mouse drove in USF's seventh run in the third and Stormi Grzybek plated two more with a double down the left field line two batters later.

The second game of the doubleheader began at  4:05 p.m. with Nevins logging in another start back at USF softball stadium.