Box Score TULSA, Okla. (April 24, 2016) – Thirty-seven.
That was the magic number Lee Ann Spivey was chasing all season as she broke the USF all-time career home run record with the 37th home run of her career. Coming into the 2016 season, Spivey was just 13 home runs away from breaking the record and did just that with three games left in the regular season.
Along with Spivey's record day, the Bulls (42-11, 14-1 American) pulled out a 5-2 win to sweep Tulsa in the three-game series. With UCF losing to Memphis on Saturday, the Bulls are now in sole possession of first place in the conference with just one loss.
Spivey's record breaking home run came in the second inning to tie the game at 1-all. Leading off, the senior went deep over the wall in centerfield for her second home run of the series and 13th of the year.
The Bulls tacked on another run in the second on an RBI double by Astin Donovan. USF loaded the bases on a single, walk and a fielding error by the Tulsa shortstop with just one out. Donovan hit a double deep to right field, scoring Erica Nunn from third and putting the Bulls in front.
With the game tied at two after the second inning, both teams were held scoreless until the top of the seventh. Juli Weber led off with a double and moved to third on a groundout. Spivey reached on a fielding error and another error by the Tulsa catcher allowed Weber to score, giving the Bulls a 3-2 lead.
With Spivey at third after a stolen base and wild pitch, Mo Santos launched her fourth home run of the season well over the wall in left field to give USF a three-run lead.
Tulsa jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on a solo home run by Maddie Withee. After the Bulls took the lead in the second, Tulsa would tie it back up on an RBI single.
Nunn picked up her third win of the series, throwing 3.2 innings in relief. The senior allowed just four hits and one walk, while striking out a pair. For the weekend, she once again recorded a 0.00 ERA in conference play.
The Bulls return to Tampa for the final series of the regular season. USF and UCF will meet for a three-game series April 29-May 1. Senior Day is set for 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. Sunday's game will be aired on ESPNU at 5 p.m.
Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. 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.
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