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By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

TAMPA, APRIL 12, 2014 – Senior Sara Nevins tossed the seventh no-hitter of her career while becoming the first USF pitcher to reach 1,000 strikeouts in the Bulls' 4-0 victory over UCF in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader.

Nevins (18-6) struck out 10 batters in her third no-hitter of the season and credited catcher Lee Ann Spivey for helping her get it done against the rival Knights at USF Softball Stadium.

“Instead of working and getting behind, we just made sure we stayed ahead in everything,” Nevins said. “We hit our spots and just went for the kill. The defense did really great on getting to those tough balls.”

Reaching 1,000 strikeouts is a feat only 81 Division I pitchers have accomplished and Nevins is one of five active players in the nation to get to the milestone. Nevins joined Arizona State's Dallas Escobedo, Minnesota's Sara Moulton, North Carolina's Lori Singola and Baylor's Whitney Canion in the exclusive club.

“I don't really think about it like that but I guess it's a good thing to have happen,” Nevins said.

Freshman center fielder Juli Weber led USF's five-hit attack by going 2-for-4 and her two-run single sparked a four-run fourth frame for the Bulls (30-11, 4-3).

Nevins struck out seven of the first 12 batters she faced and reached the milestone by fanning Farrah Sullivan to end the fourth inning.

“Before the game I knew I needed seven more, but I tried not to think about it,” Nevins said.

USF fans gave Nevins a very loud ovation as she headed to the dugout for a team meeting and the Bulls busted out the bats to grab a 4-0 lead in the bottom half of the frame. Ta'coia Williams led off with a walk, Veronica Gajownik moved her over with a bunt single and D'Anna Devine loaded the bases with a walk. Weber got the Bulls on the board with a two-run single with one out and USF packed the bags again with a bunt single by Ashli Goff.

Kourtney Salvarola picked up an RBI while getting hit by a pitch and Stephanie Medina capped off the big inning by walking with the bases loaded.

UCF (28-13, 5-2) got its first runner on base in the fifth thanks to a walk by Jessica Ujvari, but Nevins retired the next three batters in order and kept rolling in the late frames. Only two UCF batters reached base after Sullivan got hit by a pitch with two outs in the seventh.

Game 2 of the doubleheader is scheduled for a 3:25 p.m. start and fans can purchase tickets HERE.