TAMPA, March 24, 2016 – A 14-strikeout, nine-inning gem of a performance from senior Erica Nunn led the USF softball team to a 3-1 win over ECU in the opening night of conference play. The Bulls (27-9, 1-0 American) have now tied the school record for consecutive wins in a season with 19, set by the 2012 Women's College World Series team.

Nunn, who was just four strikeouts away from tying her single-game record, carried a perfect game into the sixth inning and was just five outs away. She retired the first 16 Pirates she faced in 5.1 innings, eight by strikeout. The first allowed hit of the game by Nunn didn't come until Ali Ramirez tied the game on an RBI single with two outs in the seventh inning.

Nunn would finish the game with just one unearned run on two hits, two walks and 14 strikeouts, and faced just five batters over the minimum.

Astin Donovan hit just her second career home run, and first out of the park home run, in the top of the ninth to give USF the 3-1 lead. Cassidy Boyle, who reached on a two-out walk, also scored on Donovan's home run.

USF took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth on a Lauren Evans RBI single. Mia Fung led off with a single and moved to second on a two-out walk issued to Mo Santos. Evans laced a single up the middle, plating Fung and giving the Bulls the lead.

In the bottom of the seventh and just one strike away from a no-hitter, the Pirates tied the game on an RBI single, sending the game to extra innings.

USF had played just one extra-inning game this season, defeating New Mexico State, 5-4 in eight innings. The Bulls are now 2-0 in extra-inning games this year.

The Bulls and Pirates will meet again on Friday, March 25, at 6 p.m. with the Bulls looking to take the series. The final game of the series is set for Saturday, March 26, at noon on the American Digital Network.

Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. The Bulls open the 2015 season on Friday, Feb. 12, at 2:15 p.m. against South Carolina at the USF Softball Stadium. Get your season tickets and mini plans HERE. The USF softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 12 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women's College World Series in 2012.

- #GoBulls –